Pitt Lands Four-Star RB Damon Ferguson: A Big-Time Get with Day-One Potential
The Pitt Panthers just added a serious weapon to their backfield. Damon Ferguson, a 5-foot-11, 190-pound running back out of Milford Mill Academy in Baltimore, has officially committed to Pitt following his official visit - and this one’s a big deal.
Ferguson isn’t just another name in the recruiting class. He’s the No. 153 overall prospect in the country and a four-star talent, making him the highest-rated recruit in Pitt’s 2025 class. This is a major recruiting win for the Panthers, and credit goes to running backs coach Lindsey Lamar, who played a key role in sealing the deal.
What stands out about Ferguson’s recruitment is how steady and locked-in he’s been. After visiting Pittsburgh in the spring and again for an official in June, he found what he was looking for.
He was a regular at Pitt home games this fall - not just showing interest, but clearly envisioning himself in that uniform. While he also took official visits to Indiana and Minnesota, he canceled planned trips to Michigan State and Virginia after making his decision.
That tells you how confident he was in the fit.
The Numbers: Production and Potential
Ferguson’s senior season might not have been as statistically explosive as his junior year, but the context matters. In 2024, he ran for 1,341 yards and 16 touchdowns. This fall, those numbers dipped to 885 yards and 12 touchdowns, but he missed two games due to injury and played on a dominant team that often didn’t need him to carry the load early.
Still, when it mattered, Ferguson delivered. He had a jaw-dropping 138-yard performance on just five carries early in the season.
And when the stakes got higher late in the year, he stepped up - closing the season with four straight 100-yard games. His high school career wrapped up this past weekend with his team bowing out of the Maryland state playoffs, but Ferguson leaves behind an impressive legacy: 2,951 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns across three varsity seasons.
How He Fits at Pitt
So where does Ferguson slot in with the Panthers?
Well, the timing couldn’t be better. Pitt is set to lose Desmond Reid after the 2025 season.
Reid was arguably the team’s most dynamic player in 2024, but injuries slowed him down this fall. That opened the door for true freshman Ja’Kyrian Turner, who didn’t just fill in - he took over.
Turner led the team with 652 rushing yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season, showcasing real burst and vision.
Turner is expected to be the lead back heading into next year, and he’ll be joined by Juelz Goff, who brings a steady presence to the rotation. Behind them, Pitt has a pair of redshirt freshmen in Jaylin Brown and Synkwan Smith, both of whom will be in the mix as well.
But here’s where Ferguson’s upside comes into play. With his pedigree and playmaking ability, he’s got a legitimate shot to carve out a role as a true freshman.
And if this past season is any indication, Pitt’s coaching staff isn’t shy about turning to young talent. Turner proved that.
Ferguson could be next.
Bottom Line
Adding Damon Ferguson is more than just a recruiting win - it’s a statement. He’s a high-level back with proven production, a physical build, and the kind of vision and burst that translate well to the college level. Pitt’s running back room is shaping up to be one of its deepest in years, and Ferguson’s arrival only raises the ceiling.
Don’t be surprised if he’s making noise in the ACC sooner rather than later.