12 Pitt players named All-ACC, including 4 first-teamers
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Four Pitt players were named to the all-ACC first team Tuesday, leading a contingent of 12 Panthers recognized in voting by conference coaches and media personnel.
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, running back Izzy Abanikanda, linebacker SirVocea Dennis and left guard Marcus Minor were chosen to the first team.
Abanikanda leads the ACC in rushing with 1,431 yards, running behind a veteran line that included Minor, who has started the past two seasons after transferring from Maryland.
Kancey earned first-team honors for the second consecutive season after collecting 14 1/2 tackles for loss, including 7 1/2 sacks. He is the only player chosen by the Football Writers Association of America as a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (best defensive player) and Outland Trophy (best interior lineman).
Dennis, a three-time All-ACC selection, leads the Panthers with a career-high 94 tackles.
Wide receiver Jared Wayne, safety Erick Hallett II and return specialist M.J. Devonshire (Aliquippa) were named to the second team. Devonshire returned a punt 82 yards for touchdown against Rhode Island and led the ACC with an average of 9.9 per return.
Wayne was third in the ACC with 1,006 receiving yards, giving Pitt its third rushing (Abanikanda) and receiving combo to hit four digits since 2009.
Hallett made his mark creating six turnovers (three interceptions, three fumble recoveries) and helping his defensive teammates get aligned properly at every snap.
Third-team honors went to versatile offensive linemen Jake Kradel (Butler) and Matt Goncalves. Kradel, who started 12 games at guard and center, was named third-team guard and honorable-mention center. Goncalves bounced between right and left tackle as needed.
Others who earned honorable mention were Devonshire at cornerback, defensive end Deslin Alexandre, safety Brandon Hill and cornerback Marquis Williams.