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Star Pitt CB Declares for NFL Draft

The Pitt Panthers have lost another starting corner to the NFL Draft.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers have now officially lost the last of their three starting cornerbacks from the past two seasons to the NFL Draft. 

M.J. Devonshire didn't make the announcement personally, but the East-West Shrine Bowl's announcement that he would participate in one of the premier pre-NFL Draft scouting events of the winter confirms that he will forgo his final year of eligibility in pursuit of a professional football career. 

In his senior season this past fall, Devonshire one-upped his breakout 2022 campaign. He set career-highs in tackles for loss (0.5), interceptions (4) and passes defended (10). He ends his Pitt career with 83 tackles. 1.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions 

Devonshire, a former four-star recruit from nearby Aliquippa High School, spurned the Panthers when he was first recruited but after spending a season at Kentucky, opted to transfer back to Pitt and it's been a fruitful decision for the hometown hero. 

He won an ACC Championship, was named an All-ACC honorable mention at cornerback and second-team selection at punt returner in 2022 and capped his collegiate career with second-team all-conference honors as a cornerback. 

The Panthers are left without much experience remaining at cornerback with Devonshire, A.J. Woods and Marquis Williams now pursuing pro careers. returning underclassmen Ryland Gandy, Noah Bigelow and Tamarion Crumpley and Nebraska transfer Taon Lynum will all be expected to play major roles with tons of snaps now freed up. 

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