In the midst of preparations for the ACC championship game, Pitt received a welcome distraction Tuesday morning.
The Panthers placed a conference-high 12 players on the All-ACC first, second and third teams, plus nine who received honorable mention.
Leading the way are three first-team selections: quarterback Kenny Pickett, wide receiver Jordan Addison and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. Pickett and Addison are also leading candidates for the Heisman Trophy and Biletnikoff Award.
Named to the second team were tight end Lucas Krull, offensive tackle Carter Warren and three key members of the defense: middle linebacker SirVocea Dennis, strong safety Brandon Hill and defensive end Habakkuk Baldonado.
Addison, who became Pitt’s leading punt returner late in the season, made a second appearance on the All-ACC team as an all-purpose choice on the third team. He returned only 10 punts, but for an average of 14.6 yards. Joining Addison on the third team were kicker Sam Scarton, who converted 16 of 19 field-goal attempts, guard Marcus Minor and tackle Gabe Houy.
Honorable mention went to long snapper Cal Adomitis, freshman tight end Gavin Bartholomew, defensive end Deslin Alexandre, linebackers John Petrishen and Phil Campbell III, guard Jake Kradel, center Owen Drexel, free safety Erick Hallett II and cornerback Damarri Mathis.
