Avonte Maddox, CB, Pittsburgh 2018 NFL Draft Preview

2016: Played in 10 games, starting nine at cornerback…missed three games due to injury (consecutive contests against Virginia and Virginia Tech, followed by the regular-season finale vs. Syracuse)….compiled 49 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, three interceptions and eight PBUs on the season…led Pitt in INTs and PBUs (tied) for the second consecutive year…finished third in TFLs…had a career-high 11 tackles and added two TFLs and an interception in the Clemson victory…closed out the Panthers’ win over Marshall with a 33-yard INT return for a touchdown…also had a pick against Northwestern in the Pinstripe Bowl…in the season opener against Villanova, collected two sacks and three total TFLs, both career highs.

2015: Started all 13 games at cornerback…received Honorable Mention All-ACC recognition from the media after compiling 75 tackles, 12 pass breakups, three interceptions and a blocked kick…led Pitt in both INTs and PBUs…compiled nine tackles, a career-high four pass breakups and one interception (returned 30 yards for a TD) against Louisville…had a game-ending interception at the Pitt 44 in the Panthers’ 31-28 win at Georgia Tech…had season-high 10 tackles against Miami…named the ACC Specialist of the Week for his performance against Youngstown State…had an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against YSU and had three returns for 140 yards overall (46.7 avg.)…totaled six kickoff returns for 182 yards (30.3 avg.) on the season…blocked a Navy extra point attempt in the Military Bowl…named to the ACC All-Academic Football Team for the second time.

2014: Made immediate contributions as a true freshman cornerback, playing in all 13 games and starting six contests…started the final five contests of the season beginning with the Nov. 1 Duke game…totaled 32 tackles and three PBUs on the year…posted season highs with seven tackles and three PBUs at North Carolina…had five tackles in both the Miami and Houston (Armed Forces Bowl) games…also contributed as a kickoff return specialist, averaging 19.9 yards on 11 returns (219 yards)…had a season-long return of 35 yards vs. Akron…named to the ACC All-Academic Football Team.

HIGH SCHOOL: One of the top athletes in the state of Michigan…played only two years of football at Martin Luther King but was an incredibly versatile performer…played slot receiver, running back and defensive back and also returned kicks…on offense, averaged an impressive 27.3 yards per catch as a senior, totaling 35 receptions for 956 yards and 14 touchdowns…averaged 11.0 yards per rush with 717 yards and four TDs on 65 carries…a shutdown corner who helped the King Crusaders limit opponents to just 10.9 points per game…had four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns…also had two punt return TDs…Associated Press All-State…MLive.com Metro Detroit “Dream Team”…Detroit News first team All-Metro…led team to a 10-2 record and the semifinals of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state playoffs…rated the No. 6 overall prospect in Michigan by Scout, No. 15 by 247Sports and No. 22 by Rivals…played under Coach Dale Harvel…selected to play in the Ohio-Michigan High School Border Classic all-star game…also a standout in baseball and basketball.

PERSONAL: Avonte Michael Maddox, born 3/31/96, is the son of Michael Maddox and Melanie Jackson…has two brothers and one sister…communication major.

Maddox is the best cover corner in the Panthers’ secondary and does an above average job holding down opposing teams top receiving target. The Detroit, Michigan native was one of the top prospects leaving Martin Luther King High School after playing only two years of football at that level.

He performed at a high level as a true freshman for Pittsburgh, appearing in all 13 contests (starting six) and has continued to build each and every season for the Panthers’ defense.

Maddox plays smart and is highly motivated. Great natural athletic ability with enough burst to close down on receivers. He shows nice suddenness out of his breaks and quick hips. Physical enough and has great range. He’ll contest balls playing tight coverage and quietly goes about his business on the field.

Maddox is not the biggest defender out there but plays with good physicality in run support. Terrific athleticism on Mason Rudolph interception earlier this year shows his ability to adjust to the ball. His versatility on special teams is also another facet to his ability to garner attention at the next level.