Pitt's Patrick Jones says he won't declare for NFL Draft
Pitt received more good news for next season Saturday when defensive end Patrick Jones announced on Twitter he plans to return for his senior season.
Good news for Pitt https://t.co/jx7y7pHPrd
— Jerry DiPaola (@JDiPaola_Trib) December 28, 2019
That means Pitt’s two best defensive linemen last season decided to defer the possibility of a big NFL paycheck. Defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman said after the Quick Lane Bowl on Thursday night that he is “110%” sure he will return.
Jones and Twyman submitted paperwork to the NFL to get an evaluation of their draft prospects.
You (and the rest of the DL) will get EVERYTHING I have. Excited to work with you for another season! #H2P https://t.co/SWi0ouYdK6
— Charlie Partridge (@CoachPartridge) December 28, 2019
Jones, who has the look of an NFL defensive end at 6-foot-5, 260 pounds, shared the team lead with Twyman in tackles for a loss (12) and was second to Twyman with 8½ sacks.
Also expected to return are defensive end Rashad Weaver and defensive tackle Keyshawn Camp, who missed the season with injuries.
Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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