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Pitt Fall Camp Preview: Cornerback

Looking at the depth at the cornerback position heading into the 2015 season.

Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

  • Dennis Briggs 5'10" 190 Freshman (Redshirt in 2014)
  • Malik Henderson 6'0" 185 Freshman (Incoming three-star recruit)
  • Oluwaseun Idowu 6'0" 185 Freshman (Walk-on/Redshirt in 2014)
  • Dane Jackson 6'0" 165 Freshman (Incoming two-star recruit)
  • Ryan Lewis 6'0" 195 Junior (Appeared in 12 games in 2014; nine total tackles)
  • Avonte Maddox 5'9" 170 Sophomore (Started 6 games in 2014; 32 total tackles)
  • Phillipie Motley 5'10" 180 Freshman (Redshirt in 2014)
  • Lafayette Pitts 5'11" 195 Senior (Started 13 Games in 2014; 39 total tackles; 2 interceptions)
Projected Starters - Lafayette Pitts  Avonte Maddox

Lafayette Pitts is one of the most experienced players on this Pitt roster. The senior cornerback has played in all 39 games in his career, and has started 38 of them.  Pitts had a tremendous freshman season that led many to believe he was going to be a star here at Pitt.  It has been an up and down ride with Pitts, and he has had some tough games, but overall Pitt is in a good spot having him back for his fourth year. A lot of Pitts' struggles could be attributed to the old coaching scheme, it will be interesting to see if he takes a step forward with Narduzzi's influence.

Avonte Maddox went from being an undersized true freshman that looked lost, to a starter late in the year.  Maddox had a few rough games, but really improved as the season progressed. Maddox still has some work to do, but he has a lot of skill and potential, and should be expected to start heading into 2015.

Top Reserves - Ryan Lewis Dennis Briggs Phillipie Motley

Ryan Lewis figures to be the top corner off the bench. The junior from Seattle has seen some action on special teams mostly, but with a thing cornerback position the past few years, he has gotten enough reps and should be ready for this role.

Dennis Briggs figures more into the team as a Nickelback. He worked the spot a lot in camp, and that will be his main area of focus.

Phillipie Motley is a true corner and spent last season on the team as a redshirt.  With a year under his belt, he should see an opportunity to work his way into some action in 2015.

The Rest - Malik Henderson  Dane Jackson Oluwaseun Idowu

Malik Henderson comes in with a pretty high pedigree for a freshman. He played good high school football in Florida, and enrolled early and participated in Spring football.  Henderson has the size and tools to be a good college player. A redshirt may be in his future, but he'll be able to make his case in Fall camp.

Dane Jackson was on the lightly recruited side for incoming players, but local Pitt fans should be aware of him. Jackson had a decorated scholastic career and is a very athletic player. He will go into Fall camp, and could surprise some people.

Oluwaseun Idowu spent last season on the team redshirting. Idowu was a solid player for local powerhouse North Allegheny in his high school days, and he certainly has some ability and upside for a walk-on player.