Brett's take on Mike Ford

[USF_Bill]

Former Sarasota RB hoping to get NCAA approval

Posted By Brett McMurphy at Dec 28, 2006 at 03:37 PM

Updated Dec 28, 2006 at 03:41 PM

Former Sarasota High running back Mike Ford, who signed with Alabama in 2005 but didn’t qualify, plans to attend the University of South Florida if he receives NCAA Clearinghouse approval, Bob Perkins, Ford’s high school coach said. Ford played this fall at Hargrave Military Academy. Ford planned to honor his commitment to Alabama, but changed his mind when Mike Shula was fired.

Perkins said Ford has already turned in two reports to the NCAA Clearinghouse, but they told him they have no record of Ford’s documents. Ford likely will have to resubmit the information a third time. If Ford isn’t approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse, he may attend HCC to get eligible, Perkins said.

In 12 games as a senior at Sarasota in 2004, Ford rushed for 2,836 yards, including a streak of 11 consecutive games with at least 200 yards. He also had 37 TDs and earned Class 5A player of the year honors. His season high was 368 yards against Naples Ely. If Ford (6-2, 220) gains his eligibility, the Bulls will get an “impact player,†Perkins said. “He can carry it 20-25 times a game,†Perkins said. “He’s a combination of both power and speed.â€Â

Ford is a cousin of USF WR Amarri Jackson. “The key component is Amarri,†Perkins said. “Mike has been up to USF a few times. He likes the atmosphere up there. He’s comfortable.†Perkins said Ford was timed in the 40-yard dash at 4.37 seconds at a combine at Hargrave. Out of high school, Ford considered South Carolina, Clemson, Auburn and Mississippi State before signing with Alabama.

[ChiTownBull]

did he even consider us out of HS?

[Joe]

No if I remember correctly it was Auburn and Alabama.

[joementum]

This guy is a total stud!

[Singabull]

Yeah he's a beast, finally nice to see someone from my high school alma mater on USF!

GO SAILORS!!!!

[smazza]

looks like hcc will get an impact player

[E.T.]

did he even consider us out of HS?

But sure we were on him.

From rivals:

Alabama (signed LOI)  

Auburn

Florida

Michigan State

Ohio State

South Carolina

[Mama_Bull]

It doesn't matter whether he was considering USF or not prior to going to Hargrove, Hargrave or whatever you want to call it, the only thing that matters is that he has made his choice now, and I am very happy about it.  

[bulls96go]

an update on his academics?

does he qualify?

or is this fool's gold, never to see the field at usf?

[Velcro]

Now he just needs to get through the clearing house, and enroll for spring classes... get'r done Mike!