PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) - Jaylen Twymen's decision to opt out of the season was a blow to a Pitt defensive front that was regarded as one of the best in college football when training camp opened.
Replacing a first-team preseason All-America tackle isn't easy, but redshirt sophomore Devin Danielson is doing all he can to win the job.
"I support him fully and wish him the best of luck," Danielson said of Twyman. "It
just created an opportunity for me and all the other d tackles. That's a dream come true, it really is. It's been my goal since high school. I wanted to play college football, and that's just another step toward playing more."
Danielson played at Thomas Jefferson High School, one of the WPIAL's premier programs, under former Pitt lineman Bill Cherpak.
"I learned a lot from him, " Danielson said. "I learned just how to work hard. The program really taught me how to work hard."
With that hard work, Danielson hopes to win out over redshirt sophomores Tyler Bentley and David Green and redshirt freshman Calijah Kancey.
"It's a battle everyday," Danielson said. "We're just going out there and working our hardest. Everyone's trying to fight for the spot."
Danielson played in all 13 games in 2019, starting once.
"Last year I really learned how to prepare for a game. My freshman year I got a couple plays in, but I really didn't know how to prepare for a true game week. Last year really taught me how to prepare going into a game."
It also helped to play behind--and learn from--Twyman.
"It was amazing. He really taught me how to watch film, truly watch film. To dive into the smallest details of an o lineman's staff, the keys to a good get off, a whole bunch of things.
Starting tackle Carter Warren faces Danielson on the other side of the line in practice.
"I've seen a leader out of him, " Warren said. "He's bringing along the young dudes, as well. He's changed completely. With JT stepping out, he's become a true leader."
