Jerome Ford sends message to Alabama fans, media

One of the unique storylines in the College Football Playoff this year is the matchup between the Cincinnati Bearcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide. For some, it is the matchup of David versus Goliath. But for the Bearcats starting running back Jerome Ford, it is a chance to face off against his former team.

As both teams prepare to face off in the Cotton Bowl on New Year’s Eve, Ford was asked about the opportunity to take on the Crimson Tide on such a grand stage.

“It’s a great opportunity to play on a big stage. I’m thankful for everything coach Saban had done for me and the opportunity to play at Alabama. But, you know I’m a Bearcat and I would kind of appreciate it if people would stop calling me the Alabama transfer; I’m a Cincinnati Bearcat. But like I said I’m thankful for everything coach Saban did for me and the opportunity to play Alabama around a lot of great coaches and other great players.”

Ford explains his decision to leave Alabama

Ford elected to transfer from the national champions, the Alabama Crimson Tide, back in 2019, after two seasons. Where he ended up is now history as he became a Cincinnati Bearcat.

During the press conference for the Cotton Bowl, as the Bearcats prepare to take on the Crimson Tide, Ford was asked just how he came to the conclusion to head north to Cincinnati.

“Honestly coming out of high school, coach G was a great recruiter for my area. He came and he talked to me. I was really high on Cincinnati, but I ended up choosing Alabama,” said Ford. “And when I entered the transfer portal, I knew that coach G was still a great guy and… [Cincinnati’s] a place that I felt that I could go after when I jumped into the transfer portal. That’s how I ended up choosing Cincinnati. Still had that relationship with coach G and I hit those guys up and they made it happen.”

In his first season with the Bearcats in 2020, Ford showed his ability — rushing for 483 yards and eight touchdowns on 73 attempts. However, he broke out in a big way over this past season.

Ford paced the Bearcats backfield, rushing for 1,238 yards and 19 touchdowns on 200 carries. Moreover, he also made a dent in the receiving game — catching 18 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown.