Pitt offensive lineman Brian O'Neill nearly scores third TD of career (Video)
Pitt’s Brian O’Neill is way more used to having the ball in his hands than the average offensive lineman.
O’Neill is in his third season as a starter at tackle for the Panthers but scored twice as a ball carrier last season. He almost registered his third career score on Saturday against No. 20 NC State.
On first-and-10 from the NC State 11, Pitt ran motion with the speedy Quadree Henderson to the right and had quarterback Ben DiNucci roll the same direction. O’Neill, lined up at left tackle, then slipped out into the flat and DiNucci threw back across the field. O’Neill showed off his athleticism.
The 305-pound O’Neill rumbled toward the goal line and appeared to score at first glance. The play was even ruled a touchdown on the field, allowing O’Neill to live every lineman’s dream for a third time.
However, replay showed O’Neill’s knee was clearly down before he reached the end zone.
The touchdown was wiped off the board, but Pitt’s Darrin Hall scored on the following play from a yard out to the tie the game at 14-14.
O’Neill was recruited as a tight end before adding weight and moving to the line during his redshirt season. The move paid off with O’Neill starting for the Panthers ever since.
And since they are so fun to watch, here are O’Neill’s two touchdowns from 2016:
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Sam Cooper is a writer for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!
