Paris Ford says he'll defer NFL plans, return to Pitt for 2020 season
Paris Ford made it three for three Monday when he announced his plans to return to Pitt for his junior season.
Ford, who was named a first-team All-ACC strong safety in his first season as a starter, joins defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman and defensive end Patrick Jones as Pitt players who explored their NFL prospects for the 2020 draft before deciding to return to college.
God’s Plan?? ~ @Pitt_FB pic.twitter.com/xmLiSKP5tg
— Paris Ford (@DiddyBop12_) December 30, 2019
Ford, a Steel Valley graduate, made the announcement on Twitter, with a video of some of his best plays this season, concluding with the words, “One More Season.”
Ford’s return will help fortify a Pitt secondary that will lose senior cornerback Dane Jackson and, possibly, senior free safety Damar Hamlin, who is petitioning the NCAA for a fifth year due to having his freshman season interrupted by injury.
Ford was one of the best and most disruptive defenders in the ACC this season, leading Pitt in tackles (97) and interceptions (three, including one he returned 26 yards for a touchdown against Duke). He also was second in pass breakups (11) and forced fumbles (three).
Hometown Hero ✨ @DiddyBop12_
⭐ Paris Ford in 2019
• 97 tackles, 3 INT, 3 FF, 11 PBU
• First Team All-ACC ?
• Third Team All-American ?⭐ Paris Ford in 2020
• Stay tuned... ?#H2P pic.twitter.com/Jf9ySNUZH7— Pitt Football (@Pitt_FB) December 30, 2019
The Panthers’ defense was ranked 15th in the nation (third in the ACC), allowing an average of 312.9 yards per game. Pitt’s pass defense was 33rd (fourth in the conference) at 204.5 yards.
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Jerry DiPaola is a TribLive reporter covering Pitt athletics since 2011. A Pittsburgh native, he joined the Trib in 1993, first as a copy editor and page designer in the sports department and later as the Pittsburgh Steelers reporter from 1994-2004. He can be reached at jdipaola@triblive.com.
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