Pitt announces four enrollees

The University of Pittsburgh football program has added four freshmen and an incoming transfer for the new academic term, Head Coach Paul Chryst announced.

The freshman additions are quarterback Tra'Von Chapman (Kent, Ohio/Theodore Roosevelt), defensive lineman Tyrique Jarrett (Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice/Milford Academy [N.Y.]), tight end Scott Orndoff (Waynesburg, Pa./Seton-LaSalle) and defensive lineman Shakir Soto (Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial).

Chapman, Orndoff and Soto each earned their high school degrees in December, while Jarrett spent the fall term prepping at Milford Academy. Each of the mid-year enrollees will be eligible for spring practice. The remainder of the Panthers' 2013 recruiting class will sign National Letters of Intent on February 6.

In addition to the freshmen enrollees, Chryst announced that redshirt freshman Dontez Ford, a native of McKees Rocks, Pa., and graduate of Sto-Rox High, has transferred to Pitt from Syracuse. Ford will work at wide receiver this spring.

The following are brief biographical sketches of the new roster additions:

Tra'Von Chapman, QB, 6-2, 200, Kent, Ohio/Theodore Roosevelt

Rated the No. 2 dual-threat quarterback in Ohio by Rivals…selected first team Division II All-Ohio by The Associated Press…threw for 5,736 yards and 62 touchdowns and rushed for 1,506 yards and 19 TDs over his junior and senior seasons…led Theodore Roosevelt to consecutive 10-2 seasons and berths in the Ohio Division II state playoffs.

Tyrique Jarrett, DL, 6-3, 320, Pittsburgh, Pa./Taylor Allderdice/Milford Academy (N.Y.)

Prepped during the 2012 season at Milford Academy and helped the Falcons to a 7-4 record against a schedule comprised largely of collegiate competition…totaled 26 tackles, seven tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one interception (returned for a touchdown) and one blocked field goal…prior to Milford, earned status as the Pittsburgh City League's top lineman in 2011 at Taylor Allderdice.

Scott Orndoff, TE, 6-5, 245, Waynesburg, Pa./Seton-LaSalle

Two-time All-State Class AA selection by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers…rated one of the top 20 tight ends in the country by Rivals and Scout…averaged 17.9 yards per catch (35 receptions for 625 yards) over his final two varsity seasons…as a junior and senior, led Seton-LaSalle to a combined 20-3 record (.870) and WPIAL Class AA playoff berths each season.

Shakir Soto, DL, 6-3, 230, Wilkes-Barre, Pa./G.A.R. Memorial

Two-time All-State Class AA selection by the Pennsylvania Sports Writers…Wyoming Valley Conference Football Coaches Association Small School Defensive Player of the Year…compiled 109 tackles, 13.5 sacks and six fumble recoveries as a senior…had 114 tackles and nine sacks as a junior…compiled 52 sacks for his career…led team to an 18-6 record, two district playoff berths and one PIAA Class AA playoff berth over his final two years.

Dontez Ford, WR, 6-2, 200, McKees Rocks, Pa./Sto-Rox

Redshirted as a freshman at Syracuse this past season…will sit out the 2013 season at Pitt under NCAA transfer guidelines and be eligible for active duty beginning in 2014 (as a redshirt sophomore)…Pennsylvania Football News All-Class A as a senior when he helped lead Sto-Rox to a 12-1 record, the Big Seven title and the WPIAL Class A championship game.

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