Tyler Boyd left his mark on the Pittsburgh Panthers football team, as he now transitions to the NFL after being drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2nd round of the 2016 draft. Boyd finished his Pittsburgh career electing to leave after his junior season to enter the draft, but is still one of the most decorated players in Pitt football history. In his 3 years, Boyd became the all time leading receiver at Pitt in both receptions (254) and receiving yards (5,243) as well as second in Panthers history in all purpose yards behind Tony Dorsett. Impressive numbers for a 3 year starter. Boyd was the obvious favored target for Panthers QB Nate Peterman last season, and the same held true during Boyd’s sophomore season with Chad Voytik running the offense. Now that Boyd is transitioning to the NFL, it leaves a big question mark for Pitt as to who will step up and make up for the lost production Boyd brought to the offense.

Pittsburgh needs someone to fill the shoes Tyler Boyd is leaving, and Dontez Ford could be the next in line. Dontez Ford was the Panthers number 2 receiver in 2015, catching 26 passes

for 505 yards but only hauled in 2 touchdown receptions. Ford looked promising in 2015 and he will be the one most look to lead the receiving corps in the 2016 campaign. With the number one target gone, its likely Pitt will spread the ball more and there should be less disparity in the receiving numbers. Boyd caught 91 passes in 2015 and Ford was one of only 2 other players (JP Holtz) to catch more than 20 passes. It’s apparent no one player will be able to make up for the lost production of a 2-time 1000 yard receiver, but look for Ford to breakthrough as a prime target for Pitt this season.

Pittsburgh may also have to call upon incoming freshman receivers, Ruben Flowers (a 4-star recruit according to Rivals) and Aaron Matthews (a 3-star recruit according to Rivals). With only 3 wide receivers catching more than 10 passes last season (Boyd, Ford, and Zach Challingsworth), it’s likely that these 2 freshman can come in and challenge for playing time immediately.

Pitt is currently relying on young receivers as they do not have any seniors at the position, and with the emergence of Flowers and Matthews, the team potentially could be building a top receiving group for the years to come.

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