Pittsburgh has suspended two backups -- WR Ronald Jones and NT Khaynin Mosley-Smith -- for the season.
Mosley-Smith is a big loss, literally (6 feet, 305 pounds) and figuratively. He would've been part of the tackle rotation for the Panthers as the main backup for starter Tyrone Ezell. Mosley-Smith, a Pittsburgh native, had played in 26 consecutive games, with one start.
He was arrested in April and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia; he was suspended at that time by coach Paul Chryst, and his season-long suspension is a carryover from that. Mosley-Smith performed community service and had the charge dropped.
Pitt's defensive line had the potential to be one of the three best in the ACC, but a lack of proven depth at tackle now becomes important.
Ezell and All-American candidate Aaron Donald -- a three-year starter who has 122 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 18.5 sacks and 27 quarterback hurries in his career -- make up an explosive tackle tandem. But Mosley-Smith's suspension means junior LaQuentin Smith and sophomore Darryl Render need to step up. In addition, look for true freshman Tyrique Jarrett -- a 340-pounder who attended prep school and went through spring drills -- to be given every opportunity to show he can do the job during fall camp. Jarrett has the potential to become a physical presence in the middle.
Jones was a little-used receiver who was, at best, a third-teamer on the depth chart. He was suspended for a violation of team rules.
Follow Mike Huguenin on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
