Written by Darrell Wilkinson
In case you have not, heard the University of Pittsburgh has a good defense brewing under Pat Narduzzi, evident by their 28th ranked unit nationally. No single player has had more of an impact on the Panthers defense than freshman safety Jordan Whitehead. Whitehead isn't only making a case to be the most valuable player on his defense, but a strong case for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
A run stuffing safety, Whitehead leads his team with 73 tackles which are 20 more than any other player on the squad. Whitehead is also tied for second nationally among true freshmen in tackles and is the only freshman among the ACC’s top 21 tacklers. Highly impressive for a kid in his first year out of Central Valley High in Pennsylvania.
According to Rivals.com, Whitehead was the state’s number one overall prospect coming out of high school, and number six out of all corners in the nation. In his senior season, Jordan racked up 97 tackles and seven interceptions on defense while exploding on offense for 35 touchdowns.The talent was always there, on both sides of the ball as Notre Dame found out last Saturday.
What the Irish found out last Saturday was that Whitehead has not forgotten how to carry the rock, as he rushed four times for 27 yards and two touchdowns. All the while still leading the team in tackles with 11 for the game.
ACC take notice. In fact, nationally, everyone should take notice. Jordan Whitehead is here and here to stay as one of the stars of the ACC for years to come. For now, it is looking likely he’ll be on the shortlist for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
Twitter @DarrellW_Sports
A run stuffing safety, Whitehead leads his team with 73 tackles which are 20 more than any other player on the squad. Whitehead is also tied for second nationally among true freshmen in tackles and is the only freshman among the ACC’s top 21 tacklers. Highly impressive for a kid in his first year out of Central Valley High in Pennsylvania.
According to Rivals.com, Whitehead was the state’s number one overall prospect coming out of high school, and number six out of all corners in the nation. In his senior season, Jordan racked up 97 tackles and seven interceptions on defense while exploding on offense for 35 touchdowns.The talent was always there, on both sides of the ball as Notre Dame found out last Saturday.
What the Irish found out last Saturday was that Whitehead has not forgotten how to carry the rock, as he rushed four times for 27 yards and two touchdowns. All the while still leading the team in tackles with 11 for the game.
ACC take notice. In fact, nationally, everyone should take notice. Jordan Whitehead is here and here to stay as one of the stars of the ACC for years to come. For now, it is looking likely he’ll be on the shortlist for ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Darrell Wilkinson TheSkyBoat.com
Twitter @DarrellW_Sports