The Pitt duo continue to bring in numerous accolades for their outstanding season
Israel Abanikanda and Calijah Kancey were the tone-setters for their respective sides of the ball and they continue to bring home accolades for their season. The two Pittsburgh Panthers both made first-team All-ACC and now they are being named to All-American rosters as well.
CBS Sports 2022 All-American team features Abanikanda as a first-team all-purpose player and Kancey as a first-team defensive tackle. Pitt is one of six schools to have two first-team All-Americans and the only one in the ACC.
Pro Football Network also named Kancey to its first-team All-American team and is their Interior Defensive Lineman of the Year. Abanikanda was named to their second team as a flex player.
First Team All-America
Calijah Kancey » @Ckancey8 » DL
Izzy Abanikanda » @IAbanikanda » APPitt was one of six programs and the only ACC team with two first-team selections!#H2P » @CBSSports » @247Sports pic.twitter.com/ISbiOLXfwC
— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) December 6, 2022
Kancey was the tone-setter up front for the Pittsburgh defense. With 31 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks this season, Kancey finished second in the ACC in tackles for loss and third in sacks as an interior defensive lineman. Kancey’s 91.5 PFF grade on the year was the 4th highest among power 5 teams across all defensive positions.
Abanikanda was the catalyst of the Pittsburgh offense and has etched his name in the school record books this year. Abanikanda is fourth in all-purpose yards with 1,805 and second in all-purpose yards per game with 164 this season. Abanikanda also led the nation in total touchdowns with 21 on the year.
It won’t be surprising to see these two players continue to bring in more All-American awards for their play this past season.