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ESPN.com continued its ACC positional rankings today, ranking various units in the conference after spring practices. Up today were offensive line and defensive front sevens and Pitt fared well in both.
The site ranked the Panthers' offensive line first in the entire ACC. Pitt returns four starters from a unit that helped produce a rookie running back that was mostly off the radar when the season began, so it's sort of easy to see why. The Panthers did lose center Artie Rowell, who graduated, but return Jaryd Jones-Smith, who missed all of last season and was projected to be a starter.
It's a veteran line with a few guys that could eventually be playing in the NFL someday. Adam Bisnowaty, All-First Team ACC (named by coaches) lineman, leads the way and guard Dorian Johnson (All-ACC Second Team) could find his way on a team, too, in next year's Draft.
On defense, ESPN likes Pitt's front seven as well, ranking them fifth overall. I'm a little less high on that group right now, since there are questions on the defensive line (at least the inside of it) and I'm not fully sold on the linebackers, either. Pitt fortunately got Price back and I believe the addition of Dewayne Hendrix will help. He had 4 1/2 sacks in a scrimmage this spring, but questions still remain.
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