Having watched Pitt so far this season, we all know that the Panthers are getting a lot of production from their freshmen. To be honest, it's almost like a point that's been driven home a bit much recently.
That said, the rest of the nation is catching on.
ESPN recently ranked the programs with the most impact freshmen in the ACC and, unsurprisingly, Pitt sat at the top:
1. Pittsburgh: According to ESPN's rankings, Pitt had the 41st-ranked recruiting class last season, but few programs have gotten more production from their freshmen right off the bat than the Panthers. Pitt has played 12 true freshmen already this season, including two of the nation's best. Tailback James Conner ranks second in the ACC in rushing, and receiver Tyler Boyd has been electric, ranking fifth in the nation in all-purpose yards. Including receiver Scott Orndoff and kicker Chris Blewitt, freshmen have accounted for 70 percent of Pittsburgh's scoring this season.
With Boyd, Conner, Blewitt, and Orndoff all producing, the team has gotten a lot of mileage out of their true freshmen. Funny thing is that had you mentioned this over the summer, it would have been assumed that offensive lineman Dorian Johnson was playing a big role. While he's suited up, that's not really been the case as he's only played sparingly thus far.
It's early, but safe to say that there's a ton of promise on this team with guys getting this much time early.
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