Jun 14, 2016 By Eleanor Bailey 6 min read

When you grow up in State College, you root for one football team. When you move to Upper St. Clair and start playing football in the community’s recreation program, you learn quickly: There’s only one team in town, and its nickname’s the Panthers.

So it was and is with Brandon Ford, who will commence playing for the University of Pittsburgh after competing this weekend in the Big 33 Football Classic.

“As a young kid, I was shocked by the move. I had been to Pittsburgh before, because I had an uncle and cousins that lived there, but it was all new for me.

“I grew up rooting for the wrong team,” said Ford with a laugh regarding Penn State. “But I saw the light, absolutely. Pitt is it for me.”

Ford, who excelled as a two-way lineman for Upper St. Clair, had offers from Maryland and all the MAC schools but was also recruited by Penn State, Michigan State and Ohio State.

“I’m right where I wanted to end up,” said Ford, who was initially recruited by former Pitt head coach Paul Chyrst before he left for Wisconsin. When Pat Narduzzi took over the program, Ford had no second thoughts.

“I loved (Pitt) even more. Coach Narduzzi and his staff have a tremendous attitude. Things have completely changed and I love the direction Pitt is heading.”

And the Panthers love the direction in which Ford is headed. At age 18, he already stands 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs 300 pounds. A two-way lineman who earned all-conference second-team honors, he is capable of playing all five offensive line positions.

“Brandon is still a pup. He is growing and maturing weekly,” said USC head coach Jim Render. “He continues to get better in the weight room, which is very necessary to play at Pitt. He has a bright future and will develop as far as he decides he wants to go. The Pitt coaches are exited to have him join their program.”

After the move to Pittsburgh, Ford was thrilled to join Render’s Panthers.

“It turned out to be a positive thing,” said the son of Jena and Richard Ford. “I got into a program that has a lot of exposure and a great coaching staff. It’s made a huge difference.”

Ford added that he learned a great deal from Render, most importantly to worry about your own self. “Control what you can control, not what you can’t,” he said. “The result will be what it is.”

From the start, Ford controlled his training. Since eighth grade, he and former teammate and classmate Matt Fennell have worked out at the Evaluation Sports Institute in Bridgeville.

“We were the youngest clients they have had, and it’s been an awesome platform for me,” said Ford, who he follows a strict diet that includes lean meats, fruits and fresh vegetables.

“Occasionally, I treat myself, but I try to never put garbage into my body,” he said, noting how important composition is to performance.

This weekend, Ford is prepared to perform not just on the football field, when the best of Pennsylvania will take on the stars from Maryland in the annual Big 33 Classic at Hershey Stadium. The event is also a charity event for the game’s foundation.

Having already reported for a week of festivities building toward the football all-star contest, Ford, like the other players on the roster, is paired with a child with special needs.

“He becomes our buddy. We take them to Hersheypark, and he gets a jersey with our name on the back. We do everything with them for the week,” said Ford, who has done charitable work in the past through Casey’s Clubhouse.

“It’s fantastic. Obviously, when you get the opportunity to help out some one less fortunate than you and use your athletic ability in a good light, it’s a good thing.”

A good thing concerning the Classic for Ford would be to had a “W” for the Pennsylvania squad.

“The first goal is to beat Maryland,” he said. “Second, is to demonstrate my skill one last time in a high school-level setting. Three to get better.”

Better means that Ford will be able to reach a new plateau in his play. After the Classic, his immediate goal is to make an impression at Pitt’s training camp. While he likely will be red-shirted, playing time during his freshman year will not be determined until after the Panthers break camp.

“I want to be the best player that I can be and reach the next level,” Ford said. “What happens, happens, but I hope to be competitive as soon as possible.

When you are ready to play, you will play. That’s Narduzzi’s philosophy, and Ford is prepared to ramp it up. He knows there will be adjustments to the speed of the game and intensity of play in college.

Ford though thinks he has the makeup to succeed. He says that he is a “coachable kid” and hard worker.

“I keep my nose to the grindstone, and the grind never stops,” he said. “I’m going to do whatever I have to and play whatever position that gets me on the field the quickest.”

When he arrives at Pitt, players against whom he has played will join Ford. For example, Alex Bookser from Mt. Lebanon is a prime contender for a starting position on the offensive line, and Michael Grimm from Bethel Park is another standout lineman.

About his former opponents being teammates today Ford said, “It gives a comfortable feel in the locker room. It’s going to be awesome to play with them as opposed to playing against them. It’s a welcoming kind of feeling.”

After his college playing days, Ford would welcome an opportunity to play at the next level.

“Obviously the goal is the NFL but you have to be realistic, too,” he said. “So I am planning to take advantage of the awesome academics available at the university.”

Though undecided upon a major, Ford plans to pursue a career in law.

Cushma on squad

Mike Cushma is also a member of the Pennsylvania team for the Big 33 Classic. The Chartiers-Houston High School graduate will play football for Edinboro University and major in nuclear medicine technology.

A placekicker, Cushma converted 23 extra points and six field goals, including a 44-yarder, for the Buccaneers. He earned all-conference recognition.

In addition to being a four-year letterwinner on the gridiron, Cushma earned three letters for track and two for soccer. He was a bronze medalist in the 300-meter hurdles.

In addition to playing in the Big 33 Classic, Cushma was selected to play in the Tri-County All-Star Game.