Pitt adds former Notre Dame linebacker Shayne Simon to roster

The NCAA transfer portal swung in Pitt’s direction Saturday when former Notre Dame outside linebacker Shayne Simon committed to the Panthers and coach Pat Narduzzi.

All Praise to the Most High ???????? #H2P pic.twitter.com/dRLIohlD53

— Shayne Simon (@SimonShayne) January 15, 2022

Simon, 6-foot-3, 233 pounds, joins the program two days after Michael Dowell, a former Michigan State safety/linebacker who had committed to Pitt on Dec. 31, said he won’t be part of the team “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

Due to unforeseen circumstances I will not be attending University of Pittsburgh. I am still in the transfer-portal looking for a destination. I am a grad transfer S/OLB with 2 years of eligibility left. Contact me for further information/interest.

◦ pic.twitter.com/6oBE9LEu6k

— Michael J Dowell (@10MDowell) January 14, 2022

When Simon left St. Peter’s High School in Jersey City, N.J., in 2018, he was a four-star prospect, according to Rivals.com. He was ranked as the 168th overall prospect (No. 4 in New Jersey) and the 14th outside linebacker in the nation. He considered offers from 2o schools, including Michigan, Penn State, Ohio State, North Carolina, N.C. State and West Virginia.

He was a regular starter for the Irish for only one season (2020). He suffered a torn labrum eight snaps into Notre Dame’s 2021 opener against Florida State and missed the remainder of the season.

Pitt will need reinforcements at linebacker in 2022 after losing seven who played that position at the start of the season. They include five who were either starters or significant contributors — John Petrishen, Chase Pine, Phil Campbell, Cam Bright and Wendell Davis.

Bright, Davis, A.J. Roberts and Leslie Smith have opted to transfer.

Returning linebackers include SirVocea Dennis, Brandon George, Bangally Kamara and Solomon DeShields.