Pitt Transfer LB Receiving Power 5 Interest

Former Pitt Panthers linebacker Solomon DeShields is being pursued by plenty of power programs.

Sep 9, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats wide receiver Aaron Turner (9) / Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

PITTSBURGH -- Pitt Panthers transfer linebacker Solomon DeShields has received interest from a number of school since entering the portal.

DeShields told Pittsburgh Sports Now that ACC schools in Syracuse and Virginia, Big 12 schools in Colorado and Iowa State, along with Washington have contacted him. Matt Zenitz of 247Sports reported that DeShields set up a visit with Texas A&M this weekend as well.

DeShields played in 41 games over the past four seasons, including 37 over the past three, missing just two games in 2021. He mostly played as a reserve linebacker and on special teams in 2021 and 2022, but started 11 games last season at Star linebacker, missing just one start after he suffered an injury on the kickoff against Wake Forest.

He finished with 58 tackles, 27 solo, both third best on the team, and had career-highs with eight tackles against rival West Virginia and Virginia Tech. He also had eight tackles for loss, two sacks and one pass defended in 2023.

DeShields is also the third Pitt linebacker to transfer this offseason and second starter from last season, as Bangally Kamara, who started 10 games at Money, went to South Carolina. Aydin Henningham transferred down to Alabama State in Division II as well.

Other scholarship linebackers that are on the roster, along with Louis, include sixth years in Brandon George and Keye Thompson, who transferred in from Ohio, redshirt junior Nick Lapi, sophomores in Braylan Lovelace, Jordan Bass and Rasheem Biles and incoming freshmen in Cameron Lindsey, Jeremiah Marcelin, Davin Brewton.

Redshirt sophomore Kyle Louis served as backup at Star linebacker last season, so expect him to see increased playing time. 

DeShields is the fourth player to enter the transfer portal from the program following the end of spring practice and the second defensive starter, along with defensive end Dayon Hayes. Quarterback Christian Veilleux and walk-on offensive lineman George French II entered the transfer portal as well.

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