30 Players in 30 Days: #7 — Keith Ford

Notes from McGee's thoughts on Ford

• You have two mature backs now in the system. Last year they were getting adjusted to the running scheme and passing game. It didn’t seem to be the quarterback and running backs were on the same page all the time. To take the next step these guys have to evolve in the passing game.
  
  
• The biggest mismatch on the field is the running back on the MIKE linebacker. If you can exploit that, you can do some things really well. You love that Keith [Ford] is a downhill, physical runner. He puts his foot in the ground and goes north and south. He can do some things with the ball in his hands.
  
  
• I love the leadership. The presence and tough mindset that he brings something really good to the huddle. Maybe they do some more two-back stuff this year. Since they don’t have a strong running quarterback to start, can you evolve both running backs? Use one on the dive and one on the pitch.
  
  
• The definition of a good running back is how good is this guy when the ball is not in his hands? Yes you want the explosive plays, but how good are these guys in the passing game? We watched plays last year where they could’ve been better. Stepping up and being an unselfish blocker, that will be a key component this year.
  
  
• There were some big play opportunities where they released Keith [Ford] out of the backfield and they caught a team blitzing away and he was open down the sideline. We saw opportunities for these guys to be pass catchers and get explosive plays that they need to capitalize on that they didn’t last year.
  
  
• He could get more yards this year because Trevor Knight isn’t taking away all those carries. How they distribute those carries that Trevor took in the running game will be interesting to see.
  
  
• He is going to get a chance to play in the NFL. Depending on how he does this year will determine where and how he goes. For him to take the next step and be considered even higher, his involvement as a pass blocker and a pass catcher is vital.
  

Notes from Olin's thoughts on Ford

• He’s a heck of a back up running back, he’s a nice change of pace. He’s a type of guy that runs with power. He’s not necessarily a great break away threat or open field runner. When A&M played Alabama they could go to Keith Ford and he could run between the tackles. He reminded me of Ben Malena against Florida. I like his physical running style.
  
  
• I hope he improves his hands. There were some plays he didn’t make in the run/pass-option plays. If you need a guy to get some tough yardage, he’s your guy.
  
  
• He’s not a stiff by any means, but I just don’t see him as a running back that any play can turn into a long gain. He has the ability if everything is blocked right or somebody makes a mistake, he can exploit that. His strength is a getting tough yardage that’s physical.
  
  
• He can make a significant contribution. As good as Trayveon Williams is, if it’s third-and-one and you need a first down, Keith Ford is the guy I want carrying the ball.
  
  
• I think he’s probably within a 100 yards both ways of what he did last year. I’m expecting him to be the same guy. That’s good enough, a back up running back that gets you almost 700 yards is outstanding production.
  
  
• It’s not out of the realm of possibility for Keith to get to 1,000 yards. It’s unlikely. I think the offensive line is going to be pretty good but you’re going to have a questionable quarterback, and as a defensive coordinator I’m going to key in on the run game.
  
  
• Tra Carson is in the NFL, so Keith Ford absolutely has a shot. It’s on him, but he has to understand that he’s not going to make the NFL as a breakaway runner. Show that he can block, catch the ball out of the back field and pick up that tough yardage when it’s needed. If he can prove to be that guy he’ll play.

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