PITTSBURGH – Pittsburgh junior linebacker Todd Thomas is leaving the program.
Thomas told coach Paul Chryst Wednesday morning he no longer wanted to be part of the team. The decision comes a day after Thomas was bumped to second string on the depth chart as the Panthers began training camp.
Thomas started seven games last season for Pitt, finishing with 59 tackles, 1½ sacks, an interception and a blocked punt. He was expected to be a major contributor on a defense that finished 17th in the country in yards allowed last year.
Chryst said moving Thomas to a backup position was designed to "motivate" him. Thomas responded by batting down three passes in drills during the first day of camp before informing Chryst of his decision to transfer.
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