Pitt loses RB Chris James, 2 others to transfer
Three players have decided to transfer from Pittsburgh in the past few days.
Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi told reporters Friday that safety Patrick Amara and outside linebacker Jamal Davis have decided to leave the program. Additionally, running back Chris James announced Saturday that he will also pursue a transfer.
Amara has been a part-time starter for the Panthers over the past two seasons. Overall, he played in 23 games and made five starts, totaling 30 tackles and an interception. He also blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown last season against Iowa.
Davis played in 10 games this season as a redshirt freshman and had one tackle.
Per the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Narduzzi said the emergence of freshman Jordan Whitehead played a role in Amara’s decision.
“He saw No. 9 (Whitehead) playing in front of him and knows that he’s just going to keep getting better. That happens,” Narduzzi said.
James had 437 yards and four touchdowns rushing in 2014 while serving as James Conner’s primary backup. But in 2015, after Conner went down with a knee injury, James fell behind Qadree Ollison (1,048 yards, 10 TDs) and Darrin Hall (255 yards, 2 TDs) on the depth chart.
“I’d like to thank the university for giving me the chance to play Division I football,” James said in an Instagram post. “The people I’ve met and the memories I’ve made will be cherished for the rest of my life. I came to Pitt and instantly developed a love for the city and built relationships that have help mold who I am today. Looking back I wouldn’t change a thing. I have to do what’s best for me and that is to move on.”
Amara, Davis and James may not be the only Pitt players who head elsewhere. Narduzzi told reporters last week that he and quarterback Chad Voytik have had discussions about potentially pursuing an opportunity as a graduate transfer. Voytik lost his starting role to Tennessee transfer Nate Peterman after Week 2 and saw limited playing time for the rest of the season.
“We’ve had conversations,” Narduzzi said. “Chad knows we want him here, but we also want what’s best for Chad, too. I know it’s not easy being a backup quarterback. We’ll see where that train takes us.”
Voytik started all 13 games for the Panthers in 2014, throwing for 2,233 yards, 16 touchdowns and seven interceptions while rushing for 466 yards and three scores.
Pitt went 8-4 this season and will face Navy in the Military Bowl on Dec. 28 in Annapolis, Md.
For more Pittsburgh news, visit Panther-lair.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
