PITTSBURGH — It’s not officially spring yet, not with a couple of inches of snow on the ground this morning, but spring has arrived on the South Side nonetheless, and with it comes roster updates.
The most intriguing update is that Dorien Ford will be shifting from the defensive line room to the offensive line room, as he’s officially listed as an offensive lineman on the first spring depth chart.
“When you look at Dorien Ford, we just loved his measurables to be an offensive lineman,” Frank Cignetti Jr. said Thursday. “We loved his mental makeup and his toughness. He’s a guy that, since I’ve been there, we’ve talked about it a lot. I know coach Partridge loves Dorien, too, and we’re happy to have him.”
Ford, who is listed at 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, arrived as a highly touted defensive lineman from Baldwin High in Pittsburgh in the class of 2021 — along with Nahki Johnson and Elliot Donald. However, he’s only appeared in one game over his first two seasons in Pittsburgh.
Ford’s blend of ideal size for the position, along with his strength and athleticism, makes him an intriguing storyline to follow this spring. A move to the offensive line, to guard specifically, had been a discussion point down the stretch last season.
Pitt lost Marcus Minor to graduation last season, and with his spot open and Blake Zubovic and Ryan Jacoby nearing the end of their collegiate eligibility, Ford is both a name to watch for the future and a body that will be competing for playing time this fall.
With young linemen like Ryan Baer, Terrence Moore, Terrence Enos Jr. and a handful of true freshmen, Ford is another name to add for the future. His adaption to the offensive side of the ball this spring will be a storyline to follow.
Kid is a beast. This could be a great move for his future and the teams.