Jerome Ford explains decision to leave Alabama

When college players elect to use the transfer portal, it is typically for a situation that better suits them than the one they are currently in, like with Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford. 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.

Ford on facing Alabama

The second part of the question seemed a lot easier for Ford to answer, as he talked up about playing his former teammates and friends.

“And as far as looking to the other sideline on game day, it’s a business trip. We [Cincinnati] came here to play football. It won’t be one of those things where it’s like, ‘oh my buddies are over there.’ It’ll be just like playing another team. We came to play a game and win the game and we’re just grateful for the opportunity to play on such a big stage,” said Ford.

Combining with quarterback Desmond Ritter, Jerome Ford has helped create a dangerous offense for the Cincinnati Bearcats. The decision by Ford to join Cincinnati completely changed their offense, and it’s led them to the College Football Playoff.

Against Alabama, Jerome Ford will have a target on his back. However, it’s likely Ford wouldn’t want it any other way against his former team.