Pitt Has New Starting RB

The Pitt Panthers made a change to their running back depth chart.

PITTSBURGH -- The Pitt Panthers made just one change to their depth chart ahead of a trip to Notre Dame this weekend but it was a big one. 

Rodney Hammond is no longer alone atop Pitt's running back depth chart. Sixth-year senior C'Bo Flemister has been elevated to co-starter with Daniel Carter and Derrick Davis Jr. following behind them in that order. Head coach Pat Narduzzi said the Panthers have simply been riding with the hot hand and he likes what Flemister has brought as a leader.

“C’Bo’s been playing well the past couple of weeks," Narduzzi said. "Again, he’s also helped lead our football team as far as just being a leader. I think he’s stepped up with the absence of a Matt Goncalves. I think he’s got some natural leadership skills to him. I know our guys have really bought in to what he’s all about. I mean, he plays his tail off."

This was a change that seemed like it was weeks in the making for Pitt. Hammond had been the lone starter since training camp closed in August, but Flemister had slowly been earning more and more of the carries. Over the past three games, Flemister has touched the ball 48 times, accounting for 230 yards and three touchdowns while Hammond's taken just 23 touches for 84 yards and no touchdowns. He's also made two starts while Hammond comes off the bench. 

But Narduzzi doesn't want to forget about Hammond, who he believes has plenty to offer this team as well. They will ride with Flemister as long as he continues to play well, but won't cut Hammond out completely. 

"Rodney didn’t start, but he’s good too. We like them both," Narduzzi said. "I would have liked to have gotten [Hammond] more snaps the other day because I think he’s special as well. So we’re going to play the hot guy and maybe Rodney rushes for 150 this week.”

Pitt's full depth chart for Notre Dame week is below. 

Pitt's depth chart for Notre Dame Week.  / Pitt's Week 9 Game Notes

Make sure you bookmark Inside the Panthers for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more!

Gametime for Pitt-Florida State Put On Six Day Hold

Pitt Missed Solomon DeShields Against Wake Forest

Pitt Opens As Big Underdog to No. 14 Notre Dame

Kenny Pickett's Massive Fourth Quarter Sparks Steelers Comeback

Former Pitt C Steven Adams Suffers Season Ending Injury

Pat Narduzzi Disagreed With Key Penalty Call Against Pitt

• Follow Inside the Panthers on Twitter: @InsidePitt