Pitt Panthers Legends Rank Amongst Best Freshman Seasons

Title: Pitt Panthers Legends Rank Amongst Best Freshman Seasons The Pitt Panthers football program has produced several legendary players with notable freshman seasons since the NCAA allowed true freshman eligibility in 1972. Bill Connelly from ESPN ranked the top true freshman seasons in college football, with three Pitt players making the list. Hugh Green, a defensive lineman, was ranked No. 1 for his outstanding 1977 season, recording 92 tackles, 13 sacks, and five forced fumbles. Green holds the Pitt record for most career sacks at 49.5 and the most sacks as a freshman at 22.5. Tony Dorsett, ranked No. 7, had an impressive freshman season in 1973, rushing for 1,686 yards and 12 touchdowns, marking one of the best performances in Pitt history. Dorsett went on to set a Pitt career record with 6,526 rushing yards and won the Heisman Trophy in his senior year. Bill Fralic, ranked No. 10, was a standout offensive lineman who became a three-time All-American and was the first offensive lineman to finish in the top 10 of Heisman voting twice. Fralic is credited with popularizing the "pancake block," showcasing his dominance on the offensive line while protecting future NFL star Dan Marino. Larry Fitzgerald, while not in the top 60 rankings, had a remarkable freshman season in 2002, making 69 catches for 1,005 yards and 12 touchdowns. Fitzgerald's performance set the stage for his sophomore year, where he won the Biletnikoff Award and the Walter Camp Award, despite a controversial Heisman loss.

Original Article: https://www.si.com/college/pittsburgh/football/pitt-panthers-legends-rank-among-best-freshman-seasons

Original Article Author: Dominic Campbell