Pitt: 2015 Football Season Fan Poll Awards

Nov 14, 2015; Durham, NC, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers defensive back Jordan Whitehead (9) breaks up a pass in the end zone to Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Terrence Alls (86) in their game at Wallace Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie of the Year

Fan Vote: Jordan Whitehead

My Vote: Jordan Whitehead

This vote was by far the widest margin of percentage between first and second place(85.34%). But could we really expect anything else?

Not by an otherworldly long stretch.

Freshman safety, Jordan Whitehead, was by far the most polished rookie of all in his first season at Pitt. Whether it was pure talent, schematics, or the coaching, Whitehead just seemed to have “it”.

After the first few weeks of the season, we saw the angles and fundamentals consistently correct themselves. Being comfortable goes a long way into the corrections.

Whitehead launched himself into the national spotlight after his game against the might Irish of Notre Dame. Against the Irish, Jordan had four rushes, 27 yards, and two touchdowns to go along with 11 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss. Despite dropping the game, optimism remained and to a degree cushioned the blow.

The reason he won this vote to be Rookie of the Year was his ability to be able to make an impact almost every week. As I alluded to, he just got better and better each week.

He ended the regular season with a team leading 99 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and six pass break-ups. Impressive enough to be named a USA TODAY freshman all-american and earn the overall and defensive rookie of the year honors in the ACC.

Voting Breakdown:

Jordan Whitehead: 91.67%

Qadree Ollison: 6.33%

George Aston: 2.00%

Darrin Hall: 0.00%

Next: Offensive Player of the Year