The Pitt football program received terrible news as they begin preparations for the start of spring practice next week.
During a zoom call with the local media, head coach Pat Narduzzi revealed that prized freshman running backs Malik Newton has been medically disqualified from participating in football and won’t play for Pitt. Newton will remain a member of the team.
No medical reason was given as the reason for Newton’s unfortunate diagnosis.
Newton was part of the group of players that former assistant Chris Beatty brought in from Virginia and he was expected to compete immediately for playing time because of his physical style of running.
While at Lake Taylor High School in Norfolk, Virginia, Newton rushed for over 4,000 career yards and scored 32 touchdowns during his junior season. Prior to selecting Pitt, Newton held offers from Clemson, Penn State, North Carolina, South Carolina, Maryland, Texas A&M, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Nebraska and West Virginia.
Newton was one of the freshman to enroll early but unfortunately won’t get the opportunity to step on the field at Pitt.
Minus Newton, the Panthers spring depth chart at running back will now include Vincent Davis, AJ Davis, Israel Abanikanda, Daniel Carter, Todd Sibley and freshman Rodney Hammond.
Will he be able to correct the issue or no more FB period? I’ve seen tape of him and he looked VERY promising. I hope he can get the medical help needed to continue his career.
Sad!
No more football
There are lots or teams that disqualify a player medically, only to see him go elsewhere and get a 2nd opinion to play at another school. He was going to be one of Pitt’s best recruits. This is horrible news for the player.
Pitt’s best offensive recruit. His tape is unbelievable. I was really looking forward to seeing him play. Truly devastating.
This is the third or fourth time this has happened to a Pitt recruit since Duzz got here. Not that it is Duzz’es fault.
Jinxed?!
Right now, we got too many small rb s.