2022 Spotlight | Notre Dame DE Target Tyson Ford
DE Tyson Ford
Ranking
ISD: 93, 4-Star
Composite: 92.7, 4-Star
Vitals
6-5, 250
John Burroughs (St. Louis, Missouri)
Offers
Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Washington
The Skinny
After months of talking about Notre Dame as one of his top schools, Ford named the Irish his leader back in October. He’s softened that stance quite a bit since then, but Notre Dame is still very much in the mix here. He loves the blend of athletics and academics at Notre Dame and has formed strong bonds with Irish defensive line coach Mike Elston and defensive line assistant Mike O’Guin.
But Oklahoma has made a serious push to challenge the Irish over the last couple months and the Sooners could actually have the lead at the moment. He’s pointed to the winning culture in Norman as to what attracts him to Oklahoma, so Notre Dame should have a chance to pitch their own winning culture, especially if they’re able to have an impressive showing in the College Football Playoff.
Texas also has his attention, but Ford admittedly hasn’t had much contact with the Longhorns’ staff outside of defensive line coach Oscar Giles. He’d like to see that ramp up and it likely will, but for now it seems like Texas is trailing the other two.
Timetable
Ford has been saying he’s “getting close” to a decision for a while now and has since announced that he will make a commitment on Jan. 18th. He certainly seems OK making a decision before the dead period is lifted and says he came to terms with that fact once it was extended through April of 2021. He doesn’t see himself going out of his way to take any independent unofficial visits either.
ISD Expert Jamie Uyeyama
Ford has a sky high ceiling. He’s long with explosive athletic traits. He’s a unique athlete at his size. What’s he going to be like when he gradually adds 20-30 pounds? Probably one scary dude coming off the edge. He has a very good first step and the kind of lateral quickness that will help him excel as a pass rusher. It’s not surprising that the 6’6” prospect doesn’t know how to use his length to his fullest advantage yet and can play a bit high with his pad level, but the potential is there for him to be one of the top defensive linemen in the 2022 cycle.
Junior Highlights