|
|
Jerome Ford NFL Draft Profile
|
Jerome Ford Scouting ReportJerome has very good speed. He doesn’t have the size to be a “power back” so to speak, but for his size has the ability to run downhill and between the tackles effectively. He accelerates well off a cut. Ford is explosive enough for the professional level. He explodes off of his cut. He see’s the field very well. Has excellent field vision. Jerome understands defenders and their tendencies well to make them miss, especially in space. He has good contact balance in between the tackles. Has a variety of moves that he uses very well. He has excellent contact balance in space. He makes defenders hold him until they get support. He flashes the ability to make catches through contact when he needs to. Ford was often sent out in a variety of check-down level routes. He provides a good pop to anyone he comes in contact with. Not quick when angling to pick up his assignment, but when he locks in his block he’s strong. He shows excellent bend, especially for a running back. Ford provides some upside as a potential chip blocker, bringing a good hit as he leaves the backfield. He works well making sure he hits someone who is already engaged and knocks them a good bit off balance. He delivers a good pop. |
Areas for ImprovementJerome struggles from a standstill. He doesn’t catch the ball naturally, looks very uncomfortable and forced, but will make catches. Ford is explosive, and proactive in finding space to work with. He is well sized frame, but he is not overly powerful. He is not quite as physical as advertised. He doesn't drive through defenders consistently. He can also be more consistent with his contact balance. Jerome can sometimes play himself off balance when trying to elude. He is a well rounded running back, but he does not have the elite stop and start ability or the tackle breaking capacity. He also needs to improve his pass catching ability.
|
Jerome Ford Career at CincinnatiJerome Ford was one of the top running back talents from the talent rich state of Florida. He was rated as a four star runner and No. 6 all purpose back nationally by 247Sports. He was tabbed a three star recruit on 247Composite and by Rivals. He was coached by Evan Davis at Armwood HC. He originally selected the Crimston Tide over Arizona, Nebraska, USF and UCF. As a true freshman at Alabama, Ford was a standout tailback prospect who established a role in the deep talented backfield. He rushed seven times for 37 yards across his four games of action. Following his freshman year where he redshirted after four games, he entered his sophomore season making four games with one start. He accumulated 114 yards on 24 carries and added two receptions for eleven yards. Entering his redshirt sophomore season, Ford transfered to Cincinnati. He was granted a waiver and was eligible for the 2020 season. Jerome was the backup running back whom played in all 10 games on the season. He earned his first Cincinnati start in teh Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. He totaled 483 yards with eight scores averaging 6.6 yards per carry. As a RS Junior, 2021 season was his best career year with a 1,242 total yards rushing on 200 attempts scoring 20 touchdowns. He was the pinnacle keep them honest running back but outmassed production from a downfield passing game plan. He is clearly proven he is capable to handle a large workload and pay dividends for a team at the next level. |
Jerome Ford NFL Draft Player ProfileJerome Ford NFL Draft hype naturally comes with the kind of production that Ford achieved in 2020. He undoubtedly deserves recognition for what he was able to accomplish. He is an intelligent, elusive and explosive between the hashes running back that put up some big numbers in 2020. He has the size to keep building on his athletic foundation. He also has enough contact balance to extend runs. His physicality doesn't show up with enough consistency to anoint him the top player in his position. He can extend runs beyond that point, but he is not yet elite in that category. He does not quite have the uncanny corrective athleticism against direct contact that other propsects have possessed in the past. His best attribute is avoiding direct contact with his burst, vision and change of direction ability.
|
 |