Pitt's Jaylen Twyman '110%' committed to returning to Pitt next season

DETROIT — After three years on Pitt’s campus, defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman is eligible to leave school early and enter the 2020 NFL Draft.

And he has the resume to interest any team.

• He’s a second-team All-American and first-team All-ACC performer.

• He recorded 10½ sacks as an interior pass rusher where the traffic is heavy and often nasty.

• Pitt’s coaches have praised his work ethic all season.

Some NFL team likely would have used a premium draft pick on Twyman next spring, but he said he’s not interested. At least not now.

After Pitt’s 34-30 victory against Eastern Michigan on Thursday night in the Quick Lane Bowl, Twyman said he is “110%” committed to returning to Pitt next season. Five minutes earlier, he said he was “100%” sure, so there doesn’t appear to be any gray area.

“I never really thought about leaving,” he said. “My degree means something to me. Me and my dad talked about it. We think that’s it’s best (to) let the NFL come to us. Don’t go chasing it. When the time is right, so be it.”

He said he’s currently focused on cleaning up the rough spots in his game.

“I feel like I can improve my overall game. I haven’t arrived at all, no aspect of my game,” he said. “Just being a leader off the field, I can do a lot better things. I’m looking forward to it.”

He said he’s committed to “balling” next season with (defensive line) teammates “Keyshawn (Camp), (Rashad) Weaver and Pat (Jones).

“And focusing on my degree,” he said.

All are eligible to return. Jones, a redshirt junior defensive end with 8½ sacks, also is eligible for the draft. Camp and Weaver are recovering from season-long injuries.

With all that experience and talent set to return, Pitt might have another strong defensive line next year. This season, Pitt recorded 51 sacks in 13 games, an average of nearly four per game.

“I don’t like counting my chickens before they hatch,” Twyman said, “but I think it can be really special. We just have to put in the work. The small things will lead to the big things.”

Meanwhile, redshirt sophomore Paris Ford said he has not made up his mind about leaving school and entering next year’s draft.

He has submitted his paperwork to be evaluated for possible entry in the draft, but he said he hasn’t received a response from the NFL.

“I didn’t get one yet. I’m still waiting,” he said. “I’m not even sure yet. I’m just going to weigh my options out and go from there.”

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