2023 LB Troy Ford Jr. Surprised by Notre Dame Offer

2023 Calvary Day (Ga.) linebacker Troy Ford Jr.‍ was caught off guard on Wednesday morning. 

The 6-foot-2, 236-pounder thought he was calling Marcus Freeman to learn more about Notre Dame and hear a standard recruiting pitch.

Ford quickly realized it wasn't a regular phone call. 

"It's a dream come true," Ford told ISD after being offered by Notre Dame. "I didn't think they were going to offer me. I thought they were going to just talk to me and tell me I was one of the guys they wanted. 

"Then he asked me if I had posted the offer and I realized this was really happening." 

The Georgia native might have been surprised and that's because Ford understands the opportunity he now has in South Bend.

"To get an offer from Notre Dame is more than I could ever ask for," stated Ford. "God has brought me all this way. I'm so thankful." 

Freeman impressed Ford during their conversation, but the linebacker had already had his eye on the new Notre Dame defensive coordinator. 

"He seemed really cool," explained Ford. "He told me how he came from Cincinnati. They almost beat Georgia in the Peach Bowl. I can tell by the way he talks that he knows what he's talking about." 

The offer from the Irish might be new, but Ford has already done some research on Notre Dame. Ford understands the Irish program will offer him great football and academics, which will be important in his decision.

"I've done some research on them lately," said Ford. "Academics are really good and he talked to me about getting a better degree than most schools. I believe it and see it.

"Academics are really important to me and my family." 

On the field, Ford takes pride in being mentally sharp and seeing plays before they happen.

"I feel I can really read the play before it starts to happen," Ford said. "I can sense what's going on. I'm going to work on being more explosive. As soon as I see something happening, I want to explode to it." 

Ford hasn't locked any visits into his schedule just yet, but he's already looking to get to Notre Dame.

"I think I'm going to try to get up to Notre Dame as soon as the dead period ends for a visit," said Ford. "I might go to the other school that has offered me, Georgia Tech. Notre Dame is just an awesome school. I've heard so much about them."