Pitt’s new-look linebacker room added another fresh face.
Tylar Wiltz, an all-conference linebacker from Missouri State, committed to Pitt on Monday night. Wiltz has one year of eligibility left and is expected to enroll after spring camp.
Though he doesn’t come from a Power Five program or even the Football Bowl Subdivision level, Wiltz is a nice get for Pat Narduzzi and his staff. The 6-foot-1, 219-pounder tallied 106 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, 3½ sacks, three interceptions and four forced fumbles last season, his third with Missouri State.
Wiltz, a Louisiana native, started his collegiate career at Southern Arkansas in the Division II ranks in 2017. He spent the 2018 season at Independence Community College in Kansas before transferring to Missouri State.
After pursuing an FBS opportunity for his sixth and final season, Wiltz garnered offers from Central Florida, Marshall, Louisiana Tech, Colorado State and Akron. But given Pitt’s current situation at linebacker, he should have an opportunity to compete for time as soon as voluntary summer workouts and August training camp get going.
Pitt has had five linebackers transfer out since November. Cam Bright, a 2021 captain, left for Washington. Wendell Davis landed at Northwestern. Reserve players Leslie Smith and AJ Roberts transferred to Southern Illinois and Stony Brook, respectively, while 2021 signee Preston Lavant entered the portal two weeks ago.
SirVocea Dennis, the team’s leading tackler last year, is still manning the middle. Meanwhile, Bangally Kamara and Solomon DeShields are making noteworthy strides on the outside while Notre Dame transfer Shayne Simon is adjusting to his new defense during spring camp.
But at the very least, the Panthers needed veteran depth. And they got it with Wiltz.
Once he’s officially in the fold, Pitt’s scholarship count will be one spot below the limit at 84 players — something to keep in mind as spring camp nears its end and Narduzzi’s staff continues to monitor the portal.
Johnny McGonigal: jmcgonigal@post-gazette.com and Twitter @jmcgonigal9
First Published: March 28, 2022, 11:02 p.m.
