Inside The Panthers

Star Pitt CB Declares for NFL Draft

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

Stephen Thompson

Star Pitt CB Declares for NFL Draft
Star Pitt CB Declares for NFL Draft /
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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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Published
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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