Simply put, running back Keith Ford (Cypress, Texas/CyRanch) is one of the most coveted prospects in the country.
Keith Ford, the nation's No. 2 running back prospect, has a top five of Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State and Alabama in no order.
The 5-foot-11, 196-pound violent runner with 4.46-speed is closing in on 20 offers and has a top five.
“Well, currently I have a top five, but that could change,” Ford said. “Any school that wants me, I will consider. I’m just looking for the best fit for me. My top five are Oklahoma, Nebraska, Notre Dame, Florida State and Alabama.”
While Oklahoma and Notre Dame had offered before signing day, it was a Feb. 1 call that grabbed the attention of the all-around running back.
“(Bama head coach) Nick Saban called and offered me on signing day. I was kind of shocked I got a call from Alabama,” Ford said. “I felt the same when FSU offered me. They have both been two of my favorites for a long time and to get calls from them was special. Coach Saban calling was pretty exciting."
Ford, the No. 20 ranked prospect in the 2013 top247 rankings, spoke to his favorites in more detail.
“When I went up there (Oklahoma), I really liked the atmosphere,” he said. “I liked the education, the coaches and especially the running backs coach. I always liked FSU when I lived in Jacksonville. I know about their program and have followed them for a while. You already know about Alabama. I like Nick Saban and I like Alabama and how they run the ball. I talked to Nebraska yesterday. They are very disciplined and that what we live off of here at our school. I like that.”
In the last week, the sure handed running back has picked up four offers.
“Recently, well yesterday, Michigan offered me,” he said. “Nebraska yesterday, as I said. UNC offered me recently, and Oklahoma State too.”
The first weekend in March, Ford and family are scheduled to be back in Norman.
“I’m going to the Oklahoma junior day March 2,” he said. “For right now, that’s all I have, but I hope to fit in some in between. I’m not sure where yet.”
The nations second-ranked running back in the 2013 class said he doesn’t have a timetable for making a decision, but expects to wake up one morning and just have that feeling.
“I just want to get that feeling,” he said. “Right now I don’t really have a time frame. I feel like one day I will just wake up and know where I want to go to college.”
Ford lived in North Carolina, Japan and Florida before moving to the Houston area in the seventh grade.
- Gerry Hamilton
- National Scouting Director - 247Sports