Pitt RB Rodney Hammond Jr. declared ineligible for season ahead of opener

2024-12-25 21:17:20 source:lotradecoin community forum discussions category:Markets

Pittsburgh senior running back Rodney Hammond Jr. has been declared ineligible for the 2024 season on Friday, one day before the team's season opener against visiting Kent State.

The school did not announce a reason for its decision on Hammond, who remains a member of the team and is permitted to participate in practice.

Hammond led the Panthers in carries (118), rushing yards (547) and rushing touchdowns (four) last season. He has rushed for 1,511 yards and 14 touchdowns in three seasons with Pittsburgh, highlighted by his two-score performance in the Panthers' 37-35 victory over UCLA in the 2022 Sun Bowl.

Pittsburgh coach Pat Narduzzi named Western Carolina transfer Desmond Reid as the team's starter at running back on Thursday. When asked about Hammond, Narduzzi said, "He's had a good camp."

Reid will see a familiar face in Kade Bell, who has assumed the role of Pitt's offensive coordinator after previously serving in that role with high-powered Western Carolina.

The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

More:Markets

Recommend

Southern California forecast of cool temps, calm winds to help firefighters battle Malibu blaze

MALIBU, Calif. (AP) — Cooler temperatures, calmer winds and a chance of rainfall in Southern Califor

First rioter to enter Capitol during Jan. 6 attack is sentenced to over 4 years in prison

WASHINGTON (AP) — A Kentucky man who was the first rioter to enter the U.S. Capitol during a mob’s a

A ban on outdoor burning is set in 7 Mississippi counties during dry conditions

PEARL, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Forestry Commission says burn bans are in place in seven of the