PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pitt’s leading rusher last year returns for the North Carolina game on Saturday. Rodney Hammond reinstated to the program and will play against UNC after a suspension for an undisclosed violation.
“He brings a lot,” said Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi on Thursday. “Obviously, Desmond is the guy, is the starter, but Rodney has been practicing every day since it happened. He will be ready to roll.”
Narduzzi said during the suspension Hammond has been with the team and working out which allows him to immediately step into action.
The team found out on Wednesday that he was cleared, it was a day after Narduzzi ran him hard as player helping the defense get ready for ACC leading rusher Omarion Hampton.
“He was on the scout team on Tuesday,” Narduzzi said. “You need to go out there and play and be that guy. Give us the best possible look. I want you taking every rep. He went out there on Tuesday and got after it. He’s got some good work in.”
It will be his first opportunity in the new Pitt, up-tempo offense. Narduzzi said he can be special like Reid. We’ll know more on Saturday.