Narduzzi updates players’ statuses

Youngstown State.

“I don’t know. We’ll play it by ear,” he said.

Asked if it’s an ongoing discussion between he and athletic director Heather Lyke, Narduzzi said, “I’m assuming it’s my decision, but I’m going to run it by the athletic director, for sure.”

As for Ford, Pitt’s highest-rated incoming freshman, the Steel Valley star and the Panthers remain in a holding pattern, of sorts. Ford is waiting to qualify for first-year eligibility with the NCAA, according to Narduzzi, and is following a plan the head coach feels good about.

“His family is taking care of him and giving him another opportunity to finish it out academically,” Narduzzi said. “We’ll wait and see. He’s got a plan. He’s got to work the plan and hopefully he gets it done.”

Preseason camp is set to begin at the end of this month with players reporting on the final day of July, and the hope is that Ford will be in the fold by then even after missing the summer session with his fellow freshmen.

Defensive coordinator Josh Conklin has raved about Ford’s potential to be a big-time playmaker in the secondary at safety, but he now will be working to catch upon learning Pitt’s system.

“It will impact him a little bit, but I don’t think it’s a door-die,” Narduzzi said. “Back in the old days, they never came in early in summer school. … He’s a natural football player. We’ll see how he picks up the scheme and all of that. He’s gotta do his homework first and turn in his assignments.”

To sum it up, Narduzzi said Ford remains positive, reassuring his coach there’s nothing to worry about. The two have been in touch via text message, coach checking on his player’s progress.

“I’d say there’s a good chance,” Narduzzi said. “We’ll find out.”

Ford’s enrollment situation was first reported by Panther-Lair.com.