PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - Pitt defensive lineman Jaylen Twyman opted out of the 2020 season on Saturday.
But it wasn’t just an opt-out.
It was also his official declaration for the 2021 NFL Draft.
Twyman spent his collegiate career at Pitt, and now the redshirt junior is making the leap.
But it might've been a little earlier than he may have wanted.
COVID-19 has caused mounting pressure on college football, and many of the programs are starting to back into a corner with how to handle the pandemic safely and little time remaining.
Other notable 2021 draft-eligible players, such as Caleb Farley and Micah Parsons, have already opted out to prepare for the draft.
Highly touted quarterback Trey Lance is facing a similar decision after the Missouri Valley Football Conference reported a program cancellation.
To add insult to injury, the MAC has canceled its football season outright in hopes of trying to re-establish in the spring.
Twyman will now start his path to the NFL Draft a little earlier than most prospects in years past, but he’s in good standing so far in the process.
Twyman has received first-round grades and could become a high pick after the process really gets underway.
Next February could be a golden opportunity for Twyman with the annual Combine at his disposal.
Twyman is officially listed on the Pitt Panthers website as a defensive lineman at 290 pounds and standing at 6 foot 2 inches.
During his time at Pitt, Twyman received numerous prestigious nominations for his on-field performance:
- All-America Candidate
- Outland Trophy Candidate
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy Candidate
- Chuck Bednarik Award Candidate
Forever, Thankful. ----#TGSM pic.twitter.com/PBovYxjLfc
— JT (@JaylenTwyman) August 8, 2020___Listen to 93.7 The Fan on the RADIO.COM AppTell your smart speaker to "play Ninety Three Seven The Fan"Receive email updates from 93.7 The FanFollow 93.7 The Fan: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
