Jerome Ford discusses relationship with Brian Robinson, Alabama running back room

Friday afternoon’s Cotton Bowl is a special occasion for the entire Cincinnati football team, but running back Jerome Ford is in a particularly special situation. 

Ford spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons as a member of the Alabama team before heading north, meaning he spent two years in Tuscaloosa with Tide running back Brian Robinson. During media availability ahead of the Cotton Bowl between Alabama and Cincinnati, Ford spoke about his relationship with his former position group teammate, among others. 

“I keep up with them, of course,” Robinson said. “Just before I was here they were like brothers to me, older brothers. People that you could lean on, that led you in the right direction. So of course I’m happy to see them. I was happy to see them when they won a national championship last year and continue to be excited for those guys.”

Alabama won a national title the year before Ford arrived and the year after Ford left. While in Tuscaloosa, he saw the field in eight games, carrying the ball 31 times for 151 yards and three touchdowns. 

Obviously, his production increased immensely once he arrived in Cincinnati. Ford has 273 carries for 1,721 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns while with the Bearcats. He caught a score this year as well. In total, Ford has averaged 6.2 yards per carry over four years playing college football. 

The 5-foot-11 back was the No. 29 running back out of high school and No. 67 player out of Florida, per On3. He attended Armwood High School in Tampa, Fla.

Robinson is a year older than Ford, a four-star recruit in the 2017 class and Tuscaloosa native. He has posted 1,071 yards and 14 touchdowns plus 31 receptions for 268 yards and two scores through the air in 2021, his first year as Alabama’s No. 1 running back.

Ford looks to find holes in dominant Alabama run defense

Cincinnati and Ford have a huge challenge in front of him, as Alabama boasts the No. 4 run defense in the nation, allowing just 82.8 yards per game on the ground.

The Floridian has an impressive resume of his own, leading the AAC in rushing yards and scores. Ford ranks seventh nationally with 19 rushing touchdowns. 

The Cotton Bowl kicks off at 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Alabama is a 13.5-point favorite and seeking their fourth College Football Playoff title.