Athlon released their top 50 players of the Big East for the 2012 season last week and plenty of Pitt players found their way on the list. Leading the way in a bit of a surprise was defensive lineman Aaron Donald at No. 2. Donald ranked just ahead of running back Ray Graham, who came in at No. 3.
↵Graham is widely regarded as the Panthers' best player, but Donald's monster season in 2011 didn't go unnoticed as he beat out the running back as the top-ranked player on the team. No other Panthers finished in the top ten, but Jarred Holley (No. 12), Devin Street (No. 27), Chris Jacobson (No. 37), K'Waun Williams (No. 39), and Ryan Turnley (No. 49) all made the list.
↵Rutgers linebacker Khaseem Greene was the top overall player and Pitt's seven players tied them for third in the Big East.
↵For more on Pitt football, check out Cardiac Hill.