Pitt FB Recruiting
2021 Baldwin DT Dorien Ford Talks Pitt and Recruiting
For the last couple of years, Pat Narduzzi has envisioned a future defense that includes local stars Dayon Hayes, Elliot Donald, Nakhi Johnson and Dorien Ford.
That goal is halfway accomplished as Pitt has received commitments from both Hayes and Johnson. Since they are both juniors, Donald and Ford have plenty of time to decide but are both seriously considering the Panthers.
Over the weekend, Ford was one of the many recruits in attendance at Heinz Field for the Pitt-Miami game. This morning, Pittsburgh Sports Now caught up with Ford to get an update on his recruitment and in particular where things stand with Pitt.
“Pitt makes me feel good everyday,” Ford told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Almost everyday, their coaching staff will text me and ask me how I’m doing, how’s my family and about different stuff. They are recruiting me very hard.
“The game on Saturday was great. They made me feel like I’m at home. I talked to most of the coaches and we were cracking jokes and stuff. Then we watched the game and it was good too, because I got to watch the best defensive line in NCAA football right now.”
Courtesy of Dorien Ford
Juniors across the country and starting to give early commitments to programs. Does Ford if he feels like he’s close to making a decision?
“I’m not sure what I’m doing as far as that goes yet,” said Ford.
Pitt is obviously a place that he’s seriously considering and you have to wonder if the fact that they’ve already landed two local stars and players that he’s close with in Johnson and Hayes, if that could have an impact on where he eventually decides to commit to?
“I can a little but recruiting wise, I don’t know what I want to do right now. Other players can’t dictate where I go. It will come down to academics and how I feel and whether it feels like home or not.”
Along with Pitt, Ford told PSN that James Franklin and his program are having an impact on him.
“Their coaching staff loves me too,” said Ford. “It’s a great crowd to play in front of. It’s loud and crazy there, but that doesn’t mean much.”
As far as future trips, Ford says that he’ll be making upcoming trips to both Michigan State and Michigan. That will come after his Highlanders face McKeesport in the first round of the WPIAL Class-5A playoffs this Friday.
