Branden Ballard

Height:
6-2
Class:
Junior
Hometown:
Detroit, Mich.
High School:
Martin Luther King

2006 Scouting Report: Third-year walk-on receiver who is a returning special teams letterman...missed spring drills due to a left wrist injury but will be fully recovered for fall training camp...expected to add depth at split end.

2005: Earned his first letter, playing in six games...served exclusively in special teams capacities.

2004: Redshirted during his first season as a walk-on...was an invaluable contributor to Pitt[apos]s efforts as a scout squad standout...earned Pitt[apos]s Special Teams Prep Player of the Year honor. High School: Three-year football letterman under Coach James Reynolds at Martin Luther King Jr. High...compiled 39 catches for 515 yards and four TDs during his varsity career...helped team to a three-year record of 29-6 (.829), including a Detroit city title his junior season...team advanced to the state regionals twice and the districts once...also a decorated track and field performer...two-time All-Michigan in track...also a four-time all-region and three-time All-Detroit honoree...Michigan Top Ten Scholar-Athlete.

Personal: Branden Dion Ballard, born 7/11/84, is the son of Anthony Ballard and the late Edwina Smith...he is the grandson of Emma Smith...has one brother and three sisters...social sciences major.