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Position: Running back
Combine Height/Weight: 5-9, 210 pounds
LSU Listed Height/Weight: 5-10, 216 pounds
Hand Size*: 9 inches
40-Yard Dash Time: 4.50 official
Bench-Press Reps (of 225 pounds): 25
Vertical Jump: 38.5 inches
Broad Jump: 130 inches
*Scouts like to look at hand size because it can affect ball security and how well a prospect catches the ball. Bigger obviously equals better in this regard.
Strengths
Compact runner with tremendous burst…a good stretch runner, that hits his top speed very quickly…gym rat with tremendous core strength…pound-for-pound he’s probably one of the strongest players in this draft…shows good vision as a kick-off returner.
Weaknesses
Limited runner that struggled with vision in between the tackles…doesn’t always make the right cuts…improved his junior season, but not much of a factor on third down as a receiver or blocker…running style doesn’t quite match his weight-room numbers -- doesn’t break many tackles and goes down relatively easy with contact…doesn’t finish runs well.
Verdict
Ford is a workout warrior who never quite put it together on the field at LSU. His acceleration can make him a good outside runner and kick returner, but he’s simply not a complete back. A team may take a chance on his athleticism to see if he can develop though, especially a dome team that can keep him on a fast track. Draft range, fifth-round or lower.