Aaron Donald, DT

05/17/2013 - 2013 LOTT IMPACT TROPHY WATCH LIST: Aaron Donald, DL, Pitt...Last season, Donald (Pittsburgh, Pa./Penn Hills) was a first-team All-Big East selection, compiling 64 total tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and a forced fumble. He led the Big East and ranked 12th nationally with 1.54 TFLs per game.

Donald spearheaded a Pitt defense that ranked 17th nationally in fewest yards allowed (330.54 yards/game). The Panthers' also owned lofty NCAA rankings in pass defense (20th, 194.15 yards/game), pass efficiency defense (21st, 113.12 rating) and interceptions (26th, 15 total).

Donald is one of 15 returning starters for Pitt this season, the Panthers' first as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Pitt will open the year with a highly anticipated showdown against defending ACC and Orange Bowl champ Florida State on Labor Day (Sept. 2) at Heinz Field. - Pitt football

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Under Dave Wannestadt the Pitt Panthers routinely produced quality defenders. Consider that since 2006, five Panthers (H.B. Blades, Scott McKillop, Greg Romeus, Mick Williams, Jabaal Sheard) have been recognized as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year.

In the undersized Donald, Pitt could take the award yet again, serving as an appropriate legacy in their final season in the conference.

Despite only starting five games and being moved to every position along the defensive line last season, Donald broke out to register 47 tackles, 16 tackles for loss and an eye-popping 11 sacks.

There is no denying that Donald was aided a year ago as the team searched out favorable matchups to aid in his success but much of his production was based on his burst, quick hands and hustle. These traits could lead him to even greater success this season as he'll be lining up as his natural defensive tackle position in the 4-3 rather than serving as a defensive end in the 3-4 Graham and his staff had installed.

--Rob Rang