Tyler Boyd, James Conner named Phil Steele Preseason All-Americans

Phil Steele released his preseason All-American teams and the Panthers landed a couple of players on his teams. Wide receiver Tyler Boyd enters as a first-team selection and James Conner, a second-team pick.

Both nods are extremely impressive, of course. To land on any of the four teams is a big deal, but to make the first and second lineups means you're being viewed as the best of the best. Pitt fans already consider Boyd and Conner top players, but it's good for each guy to get a little recognition on the national level.

Both were also named All-ACC First-Team picks as was offensive lineman Adam Bisnowaty. Boyd was also a first-team pick as a punt returner. The Panthers kind of tapered off after that. Offensive lineman Dorian Johnson was the only other non-special teams player on any of the four teams as a second-team pick. Boyd was named a fourth-team kick returner and kicker Chris Blewitt was also selected to the fourth team.

That kind of shows how many questions there are for Pitt beyond their two stars. Quarterback Chad Voytik isn't a slam dunk candidate for a big year and the lack of a defensive player on any of the four teams shows just how average that unit could be. I don't think the defensive side of the ball won't have any stars, but I don't think we have any real idea of who they will be just yet.

One noteworthy thing here is that the Panthers are the only team without a player on the All-ACC defensive teams. Steele's picks are hardly the be all end all of everything, but it's pretty difficult to not have even a single player make one of his four teams on that side of the ball.

Like I said - question marks, folks.

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