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January 10, 2013

When Pitt formally announced the early signings of Soto, Orndoff, Chapman and Jarrett to the football program, there was a curious fifth.

In addition to the freshmen enrollees, Chryst announced that redshirt freshman Dontez Ford, a native of McKees Rocks, Pa., and graduate of Sto-Rox High, has transferred to Pitt from Syracuse. Ford will work at wide receiver this spring.

Ford had made it known he was transferring before Doug Marrone took the Buffalo Bills job, so the two are unrelated.

Now, in the Big East transfers between conference schools is prohibited. So, what gives?

ACC rules.

The ACC allows in-conference transfers. The restriction is that for the first year, the player has to be a walk-on. Dontez Ford will be classified as a walk-on this coming season as he sits out per the regular transfer rules. Now that the season is over, Pitt football gets to follow ACC rules rather than the Big East’s. One step closer.

Ford redshirted at Syracuse, and worked on the defensive side as a safety, but is now moving back to WR. Kind of surprised he is transferring to Pitt. He has an inspiring enough backstory, but it really seemed he wanted/needed to get away from the area.

Knowing it would be hard to ever fully escape the lifestyle McKees Rocks breeds if he stayed, Ford came to the decision that he would leave the area for college. In July, Ford committed to Syracuse.

“I like the location of the school,” he said. “It’s far enough for me to get away from the elements of Pittsburgh and McKees Rocks but still close enough to come back whenever I have to.”

Hopefully he came back because he wanted to. Not because he had to.

Ford was a 2- to 3-star recruit when he committed to Cuse last year.





Chryst seems pretty good at pulling in transfers.

He’s netted Savage, that Fullback from Ohio State and also Ford. Not bad.

Comment by Atlanta Panther 01.10.13 @ 9:29 am

Welcome Dontez. Kelly interviewing for NFL. AL BCS game has him thinking. Did Pitt lose any recruits to ND if he leaves?

Comment by Frank MD 01.10.13 @ 9:55 am

Dev Street’s twitter says he’ll be announcing at 5 if hes gonna go to the NFL..

Why is he even thinking about going? hes not ready at all

Comment by rhyno527 01.10.13 @ 11:29 am

They lost that Tailback from Jersey.

Comment by tedsptman 01.10.13 @ 12:02 pm

Ford seems like a good kid, who matured significantly while still in high school. Hopefully he’s transferring for a positive reason and hopefully he becomes a contributor to the team.

I haven’t heard of Chryst evaluating any JUCO transfers. Anybody know if that’s a philosophical choice or if he just hasn’t found any that are a good fit?

Comment by Iron Duke 01.10.13 @ 12:23 pm

They lost Corey Clements to Wisconsin. I believe he is the 4 star RB you are discussing. Hope we kept in contact – maybe he would consider us again since Wiscy lost their coach too.

Comment by Rex 01.10.13 @ 12:25 pm

Ford and Rippy were mia when they played Clairton last yr. Either they were bad or Boyd was superman. Stay tuned.

Comment by alcofan 01.10.13 @ 1:08 pm

Clements was only a 3 star by several rating services
Funny when we lose em, they suddenly become 4 stars in everyone’s (well some at least)mind.

Comment by Emel 01.10.13 @ 1:28 pm

Emel, as I recall, Ricketts was non-rated on Scout and 3 star on Rivals (or visa versa) and then went to 4 star on both when he comitted to PSU. Now appears like he will never play a down of D1.

Comment by wbb 01.10.13 @ 1:40 pm

lol wbb

Yea that rating stuff is crazy. I believe they get higher ratings when they commit to higher thought of programs.

Too bad about Ricketts, thought he would be part of Pitt’s future O-line with Bisnowaty and DJ.
That must have been quite the injury to absolutely finish his career, BEFORE it even got started. Either that or the kid doesn’t have the fortitude to do what it takes to get back into playing shape. It wouldn’t be the first time, a son of a former NFL player, college star,etc., didn’t have what it takes. Don’t know if that is the case here or not. Just sayin.

Comment by Emel 01.10.13 @ 1:53 pm

Ricketts decision was mutual, and it was more about his work ethic than the injury.

Comment by srb 01.10.13 @ 7:09 pm

Video just out about the new football students coming in early, to be honest I like them all, seem like good kids looking from the outside in. I think PC looks a bit tired though, haha.

link to youtube.com

Comment by Benzene 01.10.13 @ 8:50 pm

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