Pitt Panthers’ junior DE Rashad Weaver out for season

Junior defensive end Rashad Weaver led the Pitt Panthers’ defense in sacks and tackles for loss last season.

For a defensive line that was already thin to begin with, losing its best player is definitely worst case scenario for the Pitt Panthers. Rashad Weaver was entering his second year as a starter before he went down with an injury in practice.

After being evaluated, the medical team confirmed that Weaver suffered a torn ACL and will miss the entire 2019 season. The news came with the season opener just three weeks away.

It won’t be easy to find a replacement for someone who was named a preseason All-ACC pick this year, especially with the limited amount of time given. Pitt Panthers’ head coach Pat Narduzzi described just how much he meant to this team:

"”Rashad Weaver embodies what Pitt football is all about. He is an outstanding player, student and leader. Everyone in this program shares his disappointment, but we know he will overcome this adversity and return better than ever.”"

In 14 games last season, Rashad Weaver totaled 47 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 4 passes defensed. He finished top-10 in the ACC in tackles for loss, sacks and forced fumbles.

As they say, it’s a ‘next man up’ kind of sport and the Panthers will need some of their young guys to help fill in some depth this season. Weaver will have to do what he can from the sidelines, unfortunately, but his presence and leadership will be just as important as the season approaches.

It seems the coaches have a pretty good idea of who will take over for Weaver, with redshirt sophomore Deslin Alexandre tasked with stepping up to the plate. He saw his first college action last year as a reserve for the Panthers. Appearing in 13 games, he recorded just 5 tackles and 1 tackle for loss — much lower than expected.

He will have plenty of help behind him, with defensive line coach Charlie Partridge saying he would need at least four defensive ends on the roster. With Weaver out and Alexandre starting alongside Patrick Jones II, that leaves Pitt with essentially four other players to choose from.

With that many to choose from, it’s possible Partridge takes five defensive ends, especially if one of them shows extra value with special teams or versatility along the defensive line.

Redshirt freshmen John Morgan, Kaymar Mimes, Habakkuk Baldonado, and Chris Maloney are the ones fighting for playing time, with Morgan creating the most noise. He is currently on the depth chart as Jones’ backup, leaving another backup spot up for grabs behind Alexandre.

With Week 1 approaching in just a few weeks, decisions will be made soon. I wouldn’t be surprised if redshirt freshman walk-on Chris Maloney makes a case for some snaps at defensive end this season.

What do you think the Pitt Panthers need to do at defensive end now that they’re losing Rashad Weaver for the season? Feel free to leave your comments below!