Panthers Host Former Pitt DE for Workout

PITTSBURGH — A former Pitt Panthers player worked out for an NFL team, as they look for professional opportunities.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported that the Carolina Panthers hosted a number of players for a workout, including former Pitt defensive end Nate Matlack.

#Panthers worked out Jaylon Allen, Justin Ball, Michael Batton, Kenny Dyson, Garnett Hollis, Tyler Mabry, Nate Matlack, Sevonne Rhea, Tre Swilling, Jaheim Thomas, Graham Walker, J.J. Weaver, Nick Whiteside, Debo Williams
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) July 21, 2025

Matlack played for Olathe High School in Olathe, Kan., the fourth most populous city in the state with 141,290 and about 25 miles south west of Kansas City, Mo. He would commit to Kansas State in the Class of 2020 and spent four seasons with the program.

He redshirted in 2020, but had an excellent freshman season in 2021, making 17 tackles (13 solo), 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, earning himself an Honorable Mention Big 12 Defensive Freshman of the Year from the coaches.

He spent two more seasons with the WIldcats, with a solid showing in 2023, making 15 tackles (11 solo), as well as 7.5 tackles for loss and 4.0 sacks.

Matlack made the decision to enter the transfer portal and ended up at Pitt following the end of the 2023 season.

He played in spring ball for the Panthers and then started all 13 games at defensive end under new defensive line coach TIm Daoust in 2024. He finished with 22 tackles (18 solo), eight tackles for loss, five sacks, three passes defended and one forced fumble.

Matlack made a season-high three tackles five times, in the comeback wins over rivals in Cincinnati on the road in the River City Rivalry in Week 2 and West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl at home in Week 3, and losses vs. Virginia at home in Week 10 and both Louisville and Boston College on the road in Week 13 and Week 14, respectively.

Pitt had three players go in the 2025 NFL Draft, as the Los Angeles Chargers took offensive tackle Branson Taylor at No. 199 overall and the Minnesota Vikings selected tight end Gavin Bartholomew at No. 202 overall, both in the sixth round, and the Los Angeles Rams took wide receiver Konata Mumpfield at No. 242 overall in the seventh round.

They also had players sign as undrafted free agents with NFL teams, including placekicker Ben Sauls with the Steelers, linebacker Brandon George with the Chiefs and defensive back Donovan McMillon with the Cleveland Browns.

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