Rodney Hammond

Following the departure of Israel Abanikanda to the NFL, Hammond is set to take the reins as Pitt's starting running back in the 2023 season. Hammond has some large shoes to fill following Abanikanda's NCAA leading 20 rushing touchdowns last season. The former three-star running back has tallied 972 yards and 10 touchdowns over his first two seasons with the program, including his impressive Week 10 performance against Syracuse where he rushed for 124 yards on 28 carries and scored a touchdown. The Panthers will have a new signal caller at the helm this season, requiring Hammond's veteran experience to take the next step. Hammond should play the bell-cow role in a run-heavy Pitt offense this upcoming season.