Poona Ford

A two-year starter at Texas, Ford lined up primarily as the nose tackle in Texas’ mostly three-man front and was asked to attack and tilt gaps. Although the production is unimpressive in the stat sheet, his disruption affected the game and freed up his teammates to make plays. Ford wins in a variety of ways with his blend of power and quickness to infiltrate gaps, get upfield and find the ball. He isn’t much of a pass rush threat and lacks diversity off the snap, creating mostly “mano-a-mano” situations, which will be tougher to win in the NFL compared to the Big 12. BACKGROUND Ford wasn’t considered a top-10 recruit in the state of South Carolina, but the scholarship offers piled up as he initially committed to Louisville over Ohio State, South Carolina, Tennessee and others. However, once Charlie Strong left to take the head coaching job at Texas, Ford de-committed and signed up with the Longhorns. He served as a true freshman back-up and posted nine tackles in 2014. Ford stepped in for an injured Hassan Ridgeway in 2015 and started five games, posting 39 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks as a sophomore. He became a full-time starter as a junior and recorded 54 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss, earning All-Big 12 Honorable Mention honors. Ford started all 13 games as a senior and finished with 34 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks to earn the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year Award and First Team All-Big 12 honors. Kaylon “Poona” Ford earned his nickname after his grandmother started calling him Pooh at a young age, which evolved into Poona.

in our view

Ford will be overlooked by some due to his lack of height, but his initial quickness, motor and make-up will be a valued addition to any rotation, fitting best as a three-technique in a four-man front.

strengths

Thick, compact frame and plays low…quick off the snap to generate initial momentum…flexible body type to contort his way through gaps…uses natural leverage to burrow underneath the pads of blockers…shorter stature, but adequate arm length…uses his upper body power to deliver a jolt, flashing violence in his hands…maintains his balance to clog lanes…excellent recognition skills and awareness…effort doesn’t quit, chasing down plays downfield…blocked three kicks on special teams in his career…steady rise in play each of his four seasons in college…meek by nature and extremely well-liked by his teammates and coaches – voted a senior captain in 2017. – Dane Brugler 1/29/2018

compares to

Grady Jarrett, Atlanta Falcons – Ford doesn’t have Jarrett’s initial burst, but both are shorter linemen who utilize their natural leverage to get underneath blockers and win the point of attack.

weaknesses

Shorter-than-ideal with a squatty body type. Too easily moved from his spot when he doesn’t bend his knees. Powerful hands, but his tactics are inconsistent. Late to find his anchor and can be washed out of the hole. Quick first step, but his play range is based more on hustle than athletic prowess. Lacks the move-to-move transition of a consistent pass rusher – minimal pass rush production in college. Locked-in motor, leading to fatigued snaps. – Dane Brugler 1/29/2018

Coached by B.J. Payne at Hilton Head High School in South Carolina

named Defensive Player of the Year and first-team All-Area by the Beaufort Gazette

chosen first-team All-Lowcountry by the Charleston Post and Courier

named a Top 50 recruit in the Carolinas by the Charlotte Observer

ranked No. 266 overall and the No. 22 defensive tackle in the nation by ESPN

No. 19 DT nationally and No. 7 player in South Carolina by 247Sports

No. 24 DT nationally and No. 11 player in S.C. by Rivals

No. 24 DT in the nation by Scout

posted 135 tackles, including 28 tackles for loss and seven sacks, 17 pressures and two forced fumbles as a senior

also had 34 carries for 155 rush yards and seven TDs and played on special teams

led a defense that improved its scoring average by double digits from 2012 to 2013

helped Hilton Head to a 7-4 record and an appearance in the 3A playoffs in 2013

the seven wins were the most for Hilton Head since 2008

tabbed first-team All-Area by the Beaufort Gazette in 2012

recorded 154 tackles, including 44 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, as a junior

helped Hilton Head to a 6-6-1 record and an appearance in the 3A playoffs in 2012.

Kaylon Ford took on the nickname of Poona when his grandmother began calling him Pooh as a child; it grew into Poona and the name stuck

two-time member of the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

2017

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
8.0	0.0	34.0	0.0	1.0	1.5	22.0

2016

fumbles
REC	LOST	FUM
1.0	0.0	0.0

defensive
TFL	QB HUR	TOT	TD	PD	SACKS	SOLO
5.5	4.0	54.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	42.0