This is the first in a weekly series ranking starters or starting position groups in the ACC.
Kenny Pickett's first impression was a memorable one.
Pitt, sporting a 4-7 record heading into a 2017 home game against No. 2 Miami, turned to Pickett, then a freshman, as its starting quarterback.
The results were extraordinary despite Pickett's pedestrian statistics. He threw for 193 yards and a touchdown, and he rushed for another as the Panthers pulled off a 24-14 upset.
The win created expectations. Pickett didn't exactly live up to them as a sophomore, though Pitt's run-heavy offense was good enough to win a mediocre Coastal Division and earn a spot in the ACC championship game.
Pickett, who received an invitation to the Archie Manning Quarterback Camp last summer, showed progress in 2019 under first-year offensive coordinator Mark Whipple. He's even considered a candidate for the Senior Bowl.
Some QB prospects we’ve already studied for 2021 @seniorbowl. It’s early but we know you guys are ready for it.#TheDraftStartsInMOBILE pic.twitter.com/wwOwKY25EG
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 26, 2020
