USC transfer Courtland Ford commits to Kentucky

Kentucky’s coaching staff did not waste time this weekend. USC tackle transfer Courtland Ford quickly emerged as the program’s top tackle transfer portal target. The Wildcats were able to lock up this recruitment before the transfer left Lexington.

According to KSR’s Matt Jones, Ford committed to Kentucky on Saturday night.

BREAKING:

Source tells KSR that USC OT Courtland Ford has committed to Kentucky

— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) April 23, 2023

Kentucky had a major need at right tackle when spring practice wrapped up earlier this month. Ford could be the player that fills that gap for Liam Coen‘s offense.

Courtland Ford is a Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex native that spent his prep years at Cedar Hill (Texas) High. The class of 2020 recruit was a top-600 prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking. After originally committing to LSU, Ford landed at USC.

The lineman started one game at left guard as a true freshman before settling into left tackle as a redshirt freshman in 2021. Ford made eight starts playing for head coach Clay Helton and offensive coordinator Graham Harrell that season. The tackle logged 535 snaps receiving a solid PFF pass protection grade (65.1) while allowing a 6.3 percent pressure rate.

However, Ford entered the 2022 season in a left tackle battle with Virginia transfer Bobby Haskins. Injuries forced the Pac-12 player to miss multiple games after the two tackles rotated in the first two weeks. New USC head coach Lincoln Riley went back to the transfer portal after the season and landed Florida transfer Michael Tarquin. Ford was once again limited by injuries in the spring and decided to enter the transfer portal.

Kentucky and South Carolina emerged as the top contenders quickly in this recruitment. The Wildcats were able to secure a key recruiting win before a visit could be made to see Shane Beamer‘s program.

Offensive line coach Zach Yenser will now have 16 scholarship players in his position room this season. Transfers Marques Cox and Courtland Ford will open the season as likely bookend starters on the Big Blue Wall. Ford does not have collegiate experience at right tackle, but Kentucky will be betting on his blend of experience and athletic traits to be able to complete a smooth positional switch.

Recruiting never stops.