If there’s one trait the NFL values over almost every other, it’s reliability.
And former Pitt free safety Erick Hallett II certainly showed that by finishing his college career by making 31 consecutive starts.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were paying attention, and they made Hallett a sixth-round draft choice Saturday (the 208th overall). Hallett (5-foot-9 3/4, 195 pounds) is the seventh Pitt defensive back drafted in the past six years.
During his five years at Pitt, Hallett acquired a reputation for being around the football. At no time was that more evident — and more important — than in the 2021 ACC championship game when he intercepted two passes, returning one for a touchdown in the victory against Wake Forest. He was honored after the game with the John D. Swofford Most Valuable Player award.
During the 2022 season, he was responsible for six turnovers (three interceptions and three fumble recoveries). At the end of the season, he was named a Football Writers Association of American second-team All-American.
He moved into the starting lineup for the final four games of the 2020 season, and never left. His first starting assignment was at cornerback against Florida State, but he was a safety for the remainder of his Pitt career.
Over his final two seasons, he totaled 124 tackles, including 6 1/2 for a loss.
Hallett played in 49 career games for Pitt, starting 32 and finishing with eight interceptions.
