Former Pitt running back Mychale Salahuddin transfers to North Carolina A&T

Pitt head coach Pat Narduzzi announced that former Pitt running back Mychale Salahuddin would be transferring out of the program back in August, and on Saturday, Salahuddin revealed his next destination. In a message posted on Twitter, the Washington, D.C., native said he would be heading to Greensboro, North Carolina, to play for North Carolina A&T.

”Taking a different route and thinking outside of the norm isn’t a mistake, but sitting out another year of football would tarnish my motor,” Salahuddin said. “I will be eligible to play right away due to the transfer rules of the FBS. The decision is different, I’m different, so why not make my legacy different? Why not be the face of an entire conference, a historical franchise, instead of just being another number? I have a talent that needs to be used to the fullest potential and utilized in order to take care of my family.”

Salahuddin held four-star ratings from 247Sports and Rivals as well as a three-star rating from ESPN. Prior to his commitment to Pitt, Salahuddin had more than 30 offers, including at least 22 from Power Five programs. Some of the most notable schools to show interest in Salahuddin included Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma, USC, Virginia Tech and Wisconsin. However, despite their interest the first time around, Salahuddin focused on FCS schools as landing spots this time in order to play immediately.

The departure of Salahuddin came at an inopportune time for Pitt, as the team was looking to transition from its pairing of running backs Darrin Hall and Qadree Ollison to an equally potent rushing attack in 2019. That never came to fruition, as Pitt fielded the 121st-ranked rushing offense in the FBS, averaging 120.7 rushing yards per game. Had Salahuddin stayed, he could have risen up the depth chart, as no star emerged for Pitt at running back. However, his progress was stalled by an injury during the offseason, and after failing to secure a starting job, he opted to leave.

North Carolina A&T has gone 8-3 so far in the 2019 season, and the team finished in second place in the MEAC. The program has logged a winning record every year since 2011.