Elliot Donald entered the Pitt football program as one of the highest-ranked recruits in the Pat Narduzzi, looking to continue the Donald legacy, but it just never worked out on the field.
Donald entered the transfer portal on Friday morning, Chris Hummer of 247Sports reported.
It’s the end of the line for the vaunted class of 2021 WPIAL class that included Donald, Nahki Johnson and Dorien Ford — all of whom have now left via the transfer portal.
Donald (6-foot-3, 275 pounds) was a top-ranked four-star recruit (and the legacy of the legendary Aaron Donald) when he committed to Pitt in 2020 over Kent State, Kentucky, LSU, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Penn State, Rutgers, Syracuse, Texas A&M, Toledo, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
He played a career-high 81 snaps this season, but he only managed four games before going down with what seems to be a season-ending injury. He recorded six tackles (one solo) and a tackle for loss this season.
He recorded 12 tackles (three solo), two tackles for loss, a half-sack and a pass breakup during his four seasons in Pittsburgh.
Pitt is set to return all of its defensive tackle depth, including Sean FitzSimmons, Nick James and Isaiah Neal. Francis Brewu and Jeahsear Whittington are in line for much more playing time as the second-year duo enters their second season. The future is bright on the defensive line.
It’s unfortunate that it never worked out at Pitt — for the Panthers and for Elliot Donald — but he should be able to spend his final season of eligibility at a program where he’ll be able to see the field consistently.
