Jan. 11, 2008

   PITTSBURGH--The University of Pittsburgh football program will be well represented in this year's college football all-star games.

   The Panthers will have five players participating in three of the most prestigious games, beginning with this weekend's Hula Bowl in Honolulu, Hawaii.

   Cornerback Kennard Cox and tight end Darrell Strong will play in the Jan. 12 Hula Bowl, which will begin at 6 p.m. (ET) and be televised by Versus. Cox (Miami, Fla./Miami Killian) was a two-year starter at Pitt and compiled 32 tackles, five pass breakups, one interception and one fumble recovery this past season. Strong (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla./Plantation) was a four-year contributor to Pitt's offense, appearing in 45 career games. As a senior he had 29 catches for 328 yards (11.3 avg.) and three TDs.

   Two-time All-Big East defensive end Joe Clermond will play in the East-West Shrine Game on Jan. 19 in Houston, Texas. The game will be a 7 p.m. (ET) telecast on ESPN. Pitt's defensive captain, Clermond (Tampa, Fla./Chamberlain) finished the season as the Panthers' leader in sacks (10.5) and tackles for loss (13). His 53 total tackles tied for fourth. An outstanding pass rusher, Clermond's .88 sacks per game ranked 11^th nationally (tied) and third in the Big East.

   Pitt's starting offensive tackles, Jeff Otah and Mike McGlynn, will play in the Jan. 26 Senior Bowl, held in Mobile, Ala. The game will kickoff at 3 p.m. (ET) and be televised by the NFL Network.  

   Otah (New Castle, Del./William Penn), a junior-college transfer from Valley Forge Military Academy, started every single game the last two seasons (24 consecutive starts) and was named the team's offensive captain as a senior. His 2007 postseason honors included being named first team All-Big East and to Pro Football Weekly's All-America Team.

   McGlynn (Austintown, Ohio/Austintown Fitch) finished his career as a four-year starter. He played in every single game (47) from 2004-07, making 42 starts. In addition to tackle, McGlynn also saw duty at offensive guard and contributed as a long snapper.

--30--