Panthers connections to schools in the 2019 Final Four

[Sir Purr]

The NCAA tournament occupies everyone attention’s this time of year, those of us at Panthers.com included.


So, with the 2019 Final Four set, we decided to take a look at Panthers connections to the schools vying for the national title in Minneapolis.


Quarterback Cam Newton is one of the most famous Auburn Tigers of all time, winning the BCS National Championship and claiming the Heisman Trophy in 2010. He’s been the face of Carolina’s franchise since being selected first overall in 2011.


The other current Panther who played at Auburn is another Cam. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne just signed a one-year deal to remain with the team.


But did you know former workhorse running back Stephen Davis went to Auburn? How about Hall of Fame linebacker Kevin Greene?


Combine those guys with Cam, and Auburn arguably has the most impressive list of connections to the Panthers of any school.


Michigan State


A handful of former Spartans suited up for the Panthers, but one stands head and shoulders above the rest. Wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad came to Carolina in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft after starring at Michigan State. He’s widely considered the second best wideout in franchise history behind Steve Smith.


Remember wide receiver Patrick Jeffers? A former walk-on at UVa, Jeffers came to Carolina as a free agent in 1999 and produced 12 touchdown receptions that year – tied for the second most in team history – along with 1,082 receiving yards. He and Muhammad became the first tandem in franchise history to each record more than 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.


Texas Tech


Research indicates that not a single Texas Tech product has played in a game for the Panthers. Sorry Red Raiders fans. It'll happen eventually.


*Update: @zlock12 on Twitter technically found a former Red Raider - wide receiver Jamall Broussard. He spent a year at Texas Tech before transferring to College of the Canyons and then to San Joe State, so this is stretching things a bit. Broussard played eight games with the Panthers in 2004.