Pitt RB Rodney Hammond Prepared to Take Center Stage
PITTSBURGH -- Rodney Hammond's always been a big contributor - an important piece, but never the guy. During his time as a Pitt Panther, Hammond's obvious starter-quality abilities have been overshadowed by either the team's deference to the pass or a different star tailback.
He appeared well on his way to a life-changing year himself when he accounted for 129 total yards and two touchdowns in Pitt's opener against West Virginia, but a leg injury suffered late in the game opened the door for Israel Abanikanda's record-setting, All-American season. While hurt and even after returning, Hammond watched his teammate and friend put the offense on his back time and time again. He was happy for his teammate and friend, but is ready to take the spotlight himself this season.
“I have a different kind of mindset this year," Hammond said. "I got a lot to take on this year, with me coming in being the starter. I got a lot on my back trying to carry the team.”
As the presumed starter, Hammond has taken to studying film and the playbook more frequently. His physical skills - the strength, speed and hands that made him stand out as an underclassman - will have to be compounded by improved football IQ. There's no doubt Hammond can run with the best of them, but running backs coach Andre Powell challenged him to get smarter. Hammond feels he's done that and head coach Pat Narduzzi has noticed the improvements made behind the scenes show up when the team got back together this spring.
"With Rodney, we knew he was a good back a year ago. He’s had a good camp so far," Narduzzi said. "Coach Powell says with his individual stuff he’s a much more detailed player now, just a little bit better. I think every year, you get amazed by the strides guys are going to make, even when you’re not coaching them, when you’re not even on the field with them through the offseason.”
Hammond is excited. He knows offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti will put the ball in his hands a lot this season, but with the opportunity for stardom comes pressure. That said, Hammond's been ready for this moment ever since Abanikanda made the decision to leave. The day before Abanikanda declared, he and Hammond talked about what the future looked like for both of them.
“The day before he came out and said he wasn’t coming back, we talked a long time about it so when he said it, I got kind of hyped knowing it was my time," Hammond said. "Time to do me.”
Hammond capitalized on that new confidence in the Sun Bowl, where he shined as the top tailback, rushing for 94 yards and a pair of scores on the way to game MVP honors.
He's still hungry for more. Hammond doesn't want to limit himself just to strong running. He's eager to make it his offense and star in the same way Abanikanda did before him. Hammond's waited his turn and the payoff is so close to arriving, but there is still more work to do and trust to earn. His long journey to the top of the depth chart isn't over yet.
“I’m trying to be an all-purpose back so I’m strong in every part of the game right now - run, pass, block," Hammond said. "I know if I want to play every down, I have to do everything.”
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