Inside The Panthers

Pitt Shows Interest in Former Ohio LB

The Pitt Panthers hope to add some experience to their linebacking corps this offseason.

Stephen Thompson

Pitt Shows Interest in Former Ohio LB
Pitt Shows Interest in Former Ohio LB /
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PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers got great news over the weekend, when senior linebacker Brandon George announced that he would return to Pittsburgh for one more season in blue and gold. But they are still looking to add reinforcements at that position this offseason. 

The Panthers showed interest in another transfer linebacker, Keye Thompson, a former Ohio Bobcat who entered the transfer portal over the weekend, according to a report from Pittsburgh Sports Now's Karl Ludwig. 

Thompson appeared in 14 games and started 13 of them in 2023, his sixth and arguably best season of college football. He accounted for 94 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, a forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and three passes defended on the way to third-team All-MAC honors. He's made 254 total tackles, 23 tackles for loss, three interceptions and 10 passes defended over 45 games at Ohio. 

The 6'1 and 239-pound graduate transfer would have just one season of eligibility remaining at his next school. Liberty, Michigan State and others have also reached out, according to Ludwig. 

The Panthers will return Gorge and 2023 starting outside linebacker Solomon DeShields next season, along with some talented young reserves in Jordan Bass, Kyle Louis and Braylan Lovelace. Adding Thompson to the fold would only deepen what already is a crowded room of linebackers.

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Stephen Thompson
STEPHEN THOMPSON

Stephen Thompson graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications and political science from Pitt in April 2022 after spending four years as a sports writer and editor at The Pitt News, the University of Pittsburgh's independent, student-run newspaper.  He primarily worked the Pitt men's basketball beat, and filled in on coverage of football, volleyball, softball, gymnastics and lacrosse, in addition to other sports as needed. His work at The Pitt News has won awards from the Pennsylvania News Media Association and Associated College Press.  During the spring and summer of 2021, Stephen interned for Pittsburgh Sports Now, covering baseball in western Pennsylvania. Hailing from Washington D.C., family ties have cultivated a love of Boston's professional teams and Pitt athletics, and a fascination with sports in general.  You can reach Stephen by email at stephenethompson00@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter. Read his latest work:

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