Pitt’s incoming 2017 freshman class is getting settled into the dormitories on campus this weekend.
But it appears that one member’s arrival may be a bit delayed.
Four-star safety Paris Ford from Steel Valley is not enrolled in classes this summer like the rest of the team due to not qualifying academically, according to a report by Chris Peak of Panther-Lair.com
Pittsburgh Sports Now could not independently verify the details of the report. When reached for comment, Ford called the report “garbage,” but declined to specifically refute any of its allegations. Ford is registered as a student with the university.
Not enrolling with the rest of the class in the summer would be a concern for Ford’s continued eligibility, but isn’t immediately a major one.
Ford still has a chance to become an academic qualifier this summer and enroll on time to join the team for the fall.
If that doesn’t happen, he would have to attend a prep school for a year and reclassify as a 2018 recruit. In that case, Ford would have to sign a new National Letter of Intent with Pitt in December of this year.
Ford was expected to be able to contribute right away in Pitt’s defensive backfield, most likely at safety, where he would help replace graduated co-starters Reggie Mitchell and Terrish Webb alongside two-time all-ACC selection Jordan Whitehead.
Players not immediately qualifying isn’t something especially new. Pitt had one player in 2016 not qualify: Citra, Florida offensive lineman Zack Williams. He did not continue his playing career.
