Running back D'Shaun Ford commits to Louisiana-Monroe during Navy All-American Bowl

Opelousas (La.) High running back D’Shaun Ford announced his commitment to Louisiana-Monroe during Saturday’s live broadcast of the Navy All-American Bowl.

The 5-foot-11 1/2, 218-pound Ford chose the Warhawks over his other finalists in Central Arkansas, Louisiana Tech and Tulsa.

The trust he has in Louisiana-Monroe head coach Bryant Vincent was the difference in his recruitment.

“Me and Coach Vincent, I went in his office and we sat down and talked,” Ford said. “I like the culture he’s building. He’s turning the program around. I want to be part of history.

“Everything he told I think is real. He said he’s going to make me a player and make me a man too.”

Ford at one point in his process had offers from the likes of Alabama, LSU, Auburn, Ole Miss, Missouri and USC. He looks forward to proving himself at Louisiana-Monroe.

“They’re getting a hard worker,” Ford said.

Ford also added, “I want to be the next Ahmad Hardy.”

This past fall Hardy had a huge freshman season rushing for 1,351 yards and 13 touchdowns. He then went into the Transfer Portal and ultimately chose Missouri over Ole Miss, Auburn and Kentucky. In the new era of college football Ford sees the same opportunity for himself.

“D’Shaun is one of the most humble, hard-working kids you’ll ever meet,” his trainer Clyde Alexander of Edge Assassins said. “He’s a way better athlete than he’d like to admit. He’s not like most skill players. He doesn’t say much. He’s quiet. When you see him play on the field amongst anybody else he always stands out.”

The On3 Industry tabs as the nation’s No. 68 prospect at the running back position.

“From a football standpoint he finishes his runs,” Alexander said. “He’s going to get that hard yardage. He’s a traditional-style running back. The kid is going to go to ULM and be the starter and be the bell cow and see where his career goes from there. When it comes to him and his ability I don’t question anything the kid can do.”