Ernest (Mick) Williams, DT

Played in 12 games, starting nine … missed Oct. 18 Navy game (concussion) … had season-high three tackles in four different games, including West Virginia, Iowa, Bowling Green and in the Sun Bowl vs. Oregon State … had career-high 1.5 sacks vs. Louisville.

Returning starter at defensive tackle … played in all 12 games, making seven starts … started six of the final seven contests of the season … had 29 tackles, eight TFLs and three sacks … had a career-high seven tackles with 2.5 TFLs at Rutgers … had six tackles at Louisville and also had a nine-yard sack … had six stops and a three-yard sack vs. Navy … making his first career start at Michigan State, had three tackles and an eight-yard sack.

Played in the season's first three games … ultimately missed the balance of the year due to a left shoulder injury … had two tackles.

Redshirted as a true freshman.

Earned acclaim on both sides of the ball during his four-year varsity career at Monessen … named to The Associated Press Pennsylvania Class A All-State Team (first team) as a linebacker his senior year … also was an outstanding fullback, rushing for 1,109 yards and 13 touchdowns on 131 carries (8.5 avg.) his final season … scored 16 total TDs, including two on punt returns, as a senior … Valley Independent's Player of the Year … Pittsburgh Tribune-Review All-Class A … second team all-state as a junior … three-time All-Tri-County South selection … during his four-year varsity career, Williams led the Greyhounds to a combined 34-9 record (.791), four WPIAL Class A playoff berths and three Tri-County South championships … PrepStar All-American … Rivals.com rated him the No. 8 fullback nationally … rated the nation's No. 18 inside linebacker prospect by Tom Lemming … SuperPrep All-Northeast Team … rated Pennsylvania's No. 15 prospect by Rivals.com, No. 16 by Scout.com and No. 23 by SuperPrep … selected to play in the Big 33 Football Classic … also an all-section basketball player who shattered a backboard while dunking in a game … played football under Coach Andy Pacak … Williams became the first Monessen product to sign with Pitt since All-America wide receiver Julius Dawkins, who starred for the Panthers from 1979-82.

Ernest D. Williams, born 7/3/86, is the son of Robin Stover and the late Ernest Williams … has three sisters and two brothers … sister Latitia played basketball at West Virginia … administration of justice major.