Today is Pro Day for NFL hopefuls at Pitt. This years group is a solid yet under appreciated group that looks to make their way to the next level. DreamBackfield will break down each player for a short preview:
Ray Vinopal (Safety)
Vinopal started his career at the University of Michigan. Ray saw solid playing time as a freshman but was eventually replaced by Jordan Kovacs leading him to transfer to Pitt. While at Pitt, Vinopal was an anchor on the defense starting all 13 games in 2014 adding to 26 straight starts for the safety. He tallied 68 total tackles in 2014 including four 7+ tackle games. He was also the defensive captain of the Panthers this past season.
TJ Clemmings (Tackle)
Clemmings is a big offensive Lineman who saw playing time all four years he was at Pitt. Clemmings started all 13 games in 2014 and was one of the most reliable offensive lineman the Panthers have had in recent memory. In 2014, Clemmings was awarded second team All-America honors as well as first team All-ACC.
Manasseh Garner (Wide Receiver/H-Back)
Garner was a late bloomer at Pitt but a solid contributor especially in 2014. Garner saw the field in all of the first 9 games of the season and finished with 10 games played before being sidelined by a foot injury. Injuries during his senior year could make his draft stock slide considerably. Garner will try to make up for that with a good Pro Day showing.
Anthony Gonzalez (Linebacker?)
Gonzalez has played all over the field on both sides of the ball during his tenure at Pitt. He started out as a Half back/ wildcat QB, then in 2011 moved to safety only to switch once again to LB. Gonzalez likely wants to stay at linebacker but could very possibly be considered a safety in the NFL. Gonzalez like Garner has battled injury throughout his collegiate career. A strong showing at Pro Day is a must for this young man.
Matt Rotheram (Guard)
Matt Rotheram was another anchor of the Pitt offensive line in 2014 starting all 13 games at RG. Rotheram was the first Panther to be ever be awarded the ACC Offensive Lineman of the Week award after an impressive showing against Delaware. The Ohio native looks to continue his career in the NFL and a good showing at the Pro day could mean the difference between being drafted or not.
Todd Thomas (Linebacker)
Thomas appeared in all 13 games for Pitt in 2014 including 11 starts at the “Will” linebacker position. He was the second leading tackler for Pitt in 2014 collecting 73 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and an interception. Thomas also had 72 tackles in 2013 and has been a menace for opposing offensive coordinators. The speedy Pennsylvania born Linebacker plays coverage pretty well also.
Kevin Weatherspoon (Wide Receiver)
Weatherspoon is a shifty wideout who has been under-utilized throughout his time with the Panthers. Kevin has played in 25 games in the past 2 seasons including all 13 in 2014 but only started 3 games in that time span. This young man has a chip on his shoulder and will carry that with him into Pro Day. A good showing is a must for Weatherspoon for him to have any hope for a career in the NFL.