Feeling 'a little old' at 21, Pitt RB Rodney Hammond likes sharing knowledge

When Rodney Hammond walks in the Pitt running backs’ meeting room, his teammates call him “Unc.”

Not because he’s old. “I do feel a little old,” said the 21-year-old senior.

It’s because he’s been there before, all the way back to the Kenny Pickett/Mark Whipple/Izzy Abanikanda days that only seem long ago.

Hammond scored a touchdown in the ACC championship game in 2021, when he answered the call from Whipple any time the former offensive coordinator needed a closer to protect a lead by moving the sticks.

Hammond backed up Abanikanda that season, but he had only 21 fewer carries and 147 fewer yards.

At training camp these days, Hammond has embraced the role of an older veteran, not only trying to set an example at practice but dispensing knowledge by answering questions from inquisitive younger backs who want to know how he has survived through three years of college football.

“They ask about the college experience … my freshman year, a lot of different things,” he said. “I just want them to know everything so by the time they get to their senior year, they can do the same thing for somebody else.”

Said redshirt junior running back Derrick Davis Jr.: “That’s the one guy who motivates all of us to strain to finish (drills).”

With one college season left, Hammond believes he has much more to give to teammates and the team’s overall cause.

After serving in a reserve role in 2021, he missed five games in ’22 with an injury and couldn’t be featured in ’23 because Pitt was behind so often there were few leads for him to protect. But he rushed for 145 yards last year against Boston College, 124 in a victory against Syracuse in ’22 and was named MVP of the Sun Bowl after a 94-yard effort.

“Now, it’s my time. I can do more. I have a lot more in the tank,” said Hammond, who has recorded only 22 career receptions. “I haven’t had the chance to show my potential. This year, I’m going to do whatever my team needs me to do.

“I’m ready. I’m ready. I promise you that. Whatever they need me to do, I can do it. Ain’t no job too big.”

Speaking of vows, he promised that last year’s 3-9 record won’t happen again.

“We’re going to get our swagger back. Last year, that wasn’t us. I’ve never been a part of anything like that. I feel like I let my guys down, too.”

Players have a long way to go before they perfect new offensive coordinator Kade Bell’s hurry-up, no-huddle offense. It’s based on keeping the defense unsure of what to expect, which suits Hammond after he played in a similar system at Booker T. Washington High School in Norfolk, Va.

“I want to keep the defense guessing,” he said. “They’re tired. We’re tired. That’s the type of matches I like. That’s a dogfight. Fast pace, that’s definitely what I’m used to. I don’t really like slowing the game down. If you’re going to come in and play us, you better be in condition.”

It remains to be seen how much Bell will lean on the running game. More passes will fill the air, but coach Pat Narduzzi has enough old-school in him to make sure Bell doesn’t ignore Hammond and his running back mates.

They include Desmond Reid, Gateway graduate Davis, sixth-year senior Daniel Carter, redshirt freshman Montravius Lloyd and first-year freshman Juelz Goff.

“Last year, it was just three guys getting most of the reps,” Davis said. “Everyone else was on the sideline watching. This year, everyone’s involved, even the walk-ons.”

He credits first-year running backs coach Lindsey Lamar for keeping everyone motivated.

“Last year, I just wasn’t being pushed,” Davis said. “This year, I’m being pushed to the extreme.”

Hammond said he has formed a bond with Reid, his new teammate who transferred from FCS Western Carolina.

“Nobody can tell me he shouldn’t have been at this level (previously),” Hammond said. “I think me and Des are something people are going to want to see. We’re going to put on a show every Saturday.”

The key, Hammond said, is holding each other accountable.

Hammond could have joined the thousands who entered the transfer portal this year, but he said it was easy to ignore temptation.

“This is like my other family,” he said. “I can call a lot of people. They’re going to pick up. They make sure I’m good. I make sure they’re good. I really feel like this is my home.”

Hammond was named Tuesday to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which will be given to the nation’s best running back.

“It’s kind of a little motivation,” he said. “But it only means something if I win it.”