Penn State lands portal commitment from Old Dominion defensive tackle Alonzo Ford
Penn State wanted to address its defensive tackle depth via the NCAA transfer portal this spring. After Wednesday, it has officially done so. The Nittany Lions added former Old Dominion defender Alonzo Ford to their roster when he committed following a recent visit to campus. He has three years to play two seasons for the Nittany Lions.
Ford played in 12 games for the Monarchs a year ago. The defensive tackle made 32 tackles (five for loss) and also racked up 3.5 sacks. Those numbers earned him an All-Sun Belt honorable mention honor. A year earlier, the Richmond, Va., Varina High product made 42 stops (3.5 for loss) and was credited with half a sack while also recovering and forcing a fumble. He also had three quarterback hurries during his first college season, which came in 2021, since ODU did not play in 2020, which was Ford’s first year on campus, because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’ve coached D line, I’ve played D line and for a true freshman to do what [Ford] did playing nose guard, I’ve never seen that before,” ODU defensive coordinator Blake Seiler told the school’s official website in Dec. 2021.
“He’s a really smart guy and that really helped him pick up the scheme, but physically he’s got a presence inside that’s amazing. He can hold the point. That’s just amazing for a freshman.”
The On3 Industry Rankings called Ford a three-star recruit. He was the No. 2300 player overall, No. 182 defensive lineman, and No. 53 player in Virginia.
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Penn State adds depth at a position of need.
Lions coach James Franklin made clear moments after this year’s spring practice ended with the Blue-White game on April 15 at Beaver Stadium that he wanted to add depth to the interior of his defensive line. So, the addition of Ford makes total sense.
“We’re in a good place right now,” Franklin said. “But I think we need some more depth and more competition at D-Tackle.”
Ford, who was listed at 6-foot-3, 272 pounds on the Old Dominion 2022 roster, won’t start right away. But, he’ll push for a spot in the top four and five of the rotation for first-year position coach Deion Barnes. The Lions needed another body to compete, and Ford provides it.
Full Penn State portal comings and goings list
Here’s the rundown since the 2023 season ended.
PSU roster losses to the portal:
QB Christian Veilleux is at Pittsburgh for spring practice.
RB Keyvone Lee is still looking for a newhome.
WR Jaden Dottin is still seeking a new home.
OL Maleek McNeil is at Monroe College (a JUCO) in New York.
OT Jimmy Christ is at Virginia for preseason camp.
DE Rodney McGraw is at Louisville for spring practice.
DT Fatorma Mulbah is at West Virginia for spring practice.
CB Storm Duck is at Louisville for preseason camp.
LB Jamari Buddin: He left for New Mexico State.
CB Jeffrey Davis Jr. committed to Stony Brook.
CB Marquis Wilson is at Purdue for preseason camp.
PSU transfer portal roster gains
RB Trey Potts is coming from Minnesota later this year.
WR Malik McClain arrived from Florida State for spring practice.
WR Dante Cephas is coming from Kent State later this year.
DT Alonzo Ford is coming from Old Dominion later this year.
K Alex Felkins arrived from Columbia for spring practice.
P Riley Thompson arrived from Florida Atlantic for spring practice.
