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Pitt starting CB opts out of Peach Bowl matchup vs. Michigan State

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Another key contributor to Pitt’s 11-2 season is opting out of the Peach Bowl.

Friday night, starting cornerback Damarri Mathis announced that he will forgo the team’s Peach Bowl game against Michigan State. He will now turn his attention to training for the 2022 NFL Draft.

“I want to thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to play for this great program,” Mathis wrote on Twitter. “To everyone at the University of Pittsburgh, I will never forget all the memories and great relationships that I built in this city!

“With that being said, after many prayers and family discussions, I have decided to forgo the upcoming bowl game so I can begin my focus on training and preparing for the 2022 NFL Draft. It’s time for this dream to become my reality. Thank you Panther Nation!”

Heisman Trophy finalist and Pitt quarterback Kenny Pickett has also opted out of the bowl game.

Mathis ended the 2021 campaign with 45 tackles during Pitt’s ACC title run. He also broke up 6 passes, hauled in 2 interceptions, including a pick 6. The cornerback appeared in all 13 games.

During is career at Pitt, Mathis racked up 88 tackles, 18 pass break-ups and 5 interceptions.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB