Jaylan Ford setting an example for what he sees as a promising linebacker room
Jaylan Ford had a decision to make following Texas’ 2022 season: declare for the draft or return to school for his fourth year?
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“It was a tough decision just because it’s kind of that ‘what the heart wants’ and ‘what you think is best for you,'” Ford said March 8. “I talked to a couple of people, and for me it was a blessed, win-win situation. Either one wouldn’t have been a bad situation, so it was what the heart wanted.
“For me, it was just to come back and play with my brothers one more time.”
As a result of that decision, Texas knows it has a first-team All-Big 12 and AP third-team All-American linebacker manning the middle of its defense. Ford tallied a team-high 119 tackles, plus 2.0 sacks, 10.0 tackles for loss, four interceptions, two passes defended, two fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles during his standout junior season.
The Longhorns have good reason to be excited about their returning Mike linebacker in Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense. Questions, however, remain regarding who will play alongside Ford after DeMarvion Overshown‘s departure for the NFL.
“D-Mo obviously had intangibles that some people don’t have,” Ford said. “That’s what made him, him. In our room, though, I think Coach (Jeff) Choate has done a good job of developing not only certain guys, but all of us in our room. I don’t really think there’s much of a drop-off as far as the older guys knowing what to do and how to play with each other. We’ve done a good job of rotating so we all get the feel of just playing with each other. I really feel confident in all of our linebackers.”
One of the players Ford named as potential replacements for Overshown at the Will linebacker position was David Gbenda. A fifth-year senior from Katy (Texas) Cinco Ranch, Gbenda has 32 games of experience under his belt with three starts. He has 55 career tackles, with 12 coming during the 2022 season.
Gbenda was identified by Inside Texas as a potential breakout candidate at Will for the 2023 season. Ford quickly pointed Gbenda out on Wednesday as one of the players whose play had been notable through two spring practices.
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“David really stands out,” Ford said. “He’s been grinding since winter started. He definitely stands out.”
Other UT veterans mentioned by Ford included Jett Bush and Morice Blackwell. Said Ford, “those guys, they’re right there with me. They’ve been here since I’ve been here. They’ve been trying to take that leadership role, too.”
Of course, after Texas signed a linebacker class that included On3 Industry Ranking five-star Anthony Hill and On3 Industry Ranking three-star Liona Lefau, Ford was asked about how the early enrollees have fared so far.
Ford mentioned all of them are athletic, quick learners and coachable.
With regards to Hill, Ford said “he just flies around to the ball.” Lefau was called a “fast learner.” Both were described by Ford as coming in and buying into the linebacker room’s culture.
“I remember when I was in that position,” Ford said. “I’m realizing they look up to me.”
Ford knows his off-field responsibilities have increased importance after Overshown’s departure. What he’s seen as a leader with several players, young and old, attempting to follow his example has him excited for the future of the room at this early stage of spring practices.
“They want to take notes from me,” Ford said. “It’s pretty cool.”
