Seton La-Salle's Ford gives verbal commitment to Pitt

Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi had a lot on his mind Friday while making final preparations for Saturday's game against Georgia Tech. But when his phone rang, he made time for this particular call.

It was Seton-La Salle junior Paris Ford, who was ready to commit to Pitt.

“He screamed real loud when I told him,” Ford said. “I guess it was kind of unexpected.”

Ford, rated a four-star prospect by Rivals.com, is one of the most highly recruited juniors in the nation, with offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame, Penn State and West Virginia, among several others.

After speaking to his parents, he said he was ready to commit.

“I felt like it was the right fit for me,” Ford said. “Coach Narduzzi has been recruiting me since he stepped foot on the campus, always popping up at school for visits. Why wait, if I already knew?”

Ford (6-foot, 172 pounds) plays safety, linebacker, wide receiver and kick returner for Seton-La Salle. He has 19 receptions for 417 yards and has rushed 15 times for 205 yards this season. He also has scored 12 touchdowns and has an interception.

Ford said Narduzzi has told him he'll have an opportunity to play on both sides of the ball at Pitt.

With 16 months before he can sign a letter of intent, Ford knows he will continue to attract interest.

“I have to play it smooth because I committed,” he said. “I can't show a lot of interest to other schools.”

Ford said he will try to bring other area players to Pitt, naming Clairton's Lamont Wade, Central Catholic's Damar Hamlin, Beaver Falls' Donovan Jeter, University Prep's Kenny Robinson, Aliquippa's Kaezon Pugh and Allderdice's James and Tim Jackson.

Seton-La Salle coach Damon Rosol said Ford's decision could have a domino effect for Pitt.

“He will be the biggest ambassador for the University of Pittsburgh,” Rosol said. “He wants to be a Pitt Panther.”

Rosol, a former assistant at Montour, said Ford reminds him of ex-Central Valley wide receiver Robert Foster, now at Alabama.

“He is a tremendous, tremendous athlete,” Rosol said of Ford. “He plays like his hair is on fire.”

Ford is the second member of the Class of 2017 to make a verbal commitment to Pitt, joining Johnstown junior cornerback Exree Loe.

Staff writer Kevin Gorman contributed. Jerry DiPaola is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. Reach him at jdipaola@tribweb.com or via Twitter @JDiPaola_Trib.