I see what the coaches see. I understand the cons, lack of great speed, choppy steps etc... The coaches in the SEC and everywhere else are looking at what this kid could develop into. Ford has a thick squatty powerful build and he naturally has a low center of gravity. For a powerful bruiser type of back, his vision and his ability to make quick and very subtle cuts in the hole and in traffic are noteworthy. Teams aren't recruiting him for his speed however he does possess decent speed for a kid with his build. I believe he has the ability to become significantly faster as he continues to develop his body and he gets college level coaching and S&C.
He also has a specific skill as it pertains to his running style that I'm having a difficult time trying to articulate but I'll give it a whirl. He has a knack for putting himself in the perfect position( creating a running angle) based on pre and post snap picture which enables him to maximize his speed and create the best possible yardage that the situation allows for. Ford is a very instincive/intuitive yet powerful runner who has excellent vision and patience coupled with ability to make quick, subtle and laser like cuts at the LOS, in traffic and in the open field with surprising lateral quickness, elite contact balance and the ability to make defenders miss in a phone booth. Very good prospect with a very solid floor to go with an excellent ceiling.
