Keith Ford has not wavered from his early commitment to OU
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Sunday, January 20, 2013
1/20/13 at 6:03 AM
Keith Ford didn't waste time in pledging his commitment to play football at Oklahoma.
The Cypress Ranch (Texas) High School running back was the first commit of the Sooners' 2013 recruiting class.
Rated as the 10th-best running back nationally by Rivals, Ford never second-guessed his decision according to Cy Ranch coach Gene Johnson.
"Partially, that is the kind of kid that Keith is," Johnson said. "He doesn't demand all of the hoopla and drama.
"When he visited OU and met the coaches and saw the facilities, he saw what a great place it was. He was comfortable with the coaching staff and school. He felt like he could call it his home, locked on and never wavered."
Ford had an impact his senior season for the Mustangs, which advanced to the 5A state semifinals.
"Keith had a great senior year and improved every year that he was part of our program," Johnson said. "He went to different camps, several at OU, which helped him learn and develop as a player. He was an instrumental part of our success this year."
Johnson was asked to describe Ford's style on the field.
"He's an explosive kid," Johnson said. "He can extend plays through a lot of different ways. He can extend plays by making you miss and with his speed. He's physical enough to punish people and extend a play that way.
"He's not a waterbug and the only thing that he has is his quickness. He's a physical runner with enough speed."
Johnson's position group will be filled with seniors in 2013 - Damien Williams, Brennan Clay and Dominique Whaley. Alex Ross, a redshirt freshman, is expected to see action.
Johnson said Ford doesn't have an ego despite all of his accolades.
"He's a tremendous kid," Johnson said. "He still values family and friends. He's a very quiet, reserved person that's very humble.
"Many mistakenly assumes a lot that he is arrogant because he is quiet and humble."
How will his transition to OU be?
"Keith will do fine because of his work ethic," Johnson said. "It's a tough transition when you move from one level to a higher level of athletes with more intensive studying.
"His work ethic will put him in position (to contribute)."
Original Print Headline: Ford has not wavered on his early OU pledge
Eric Bailey 918-581-8391
eric.bailey@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Ford
|
