Interview: 2019 Washington Do-All ATH Delaend Ford is Prepping for Another Big Year
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
When describing Delaend Ford’s junior season, easiest to sum up that he did everything but drive the bus back and forth from the games. The rising Class of 2019 Washington talent showed out all over the field and on both sides of the ball for Kent-Meridian in 2017, and plans to do the same for Hazen High School during his senior year.
In a season that may not be remember-able for most Kent fans during a tough 0-10 schedule, one thing that stood out game after game was Ford. The 6-0, 175-pound, do-everything athlete accumulated 288 yards on the ground off 73 carries with a score and hauled in 19 passes for another 212 yards. Playing both safety and corner on defense, he came up with 53 stops, 38 solo, while accounting for a sack, four picks and a forced fumble. He got to show off some of his open-field speed on special teams returning 15 kicks for 265 yards with one punt taken back for 14 more all-purpose yards.
Over the offseason, Ford has spent time playing 7v7 ball with Heir Football and learning new schemes on both sides of the ball with Hazen High School (Renton). Outside of some regional interest, Ford has flown under the radar, but all of that is sure to change with another big season upcoming with the Highlanders.
In a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview, I sat down with Ford covering his stellar junior season, transfer to Hazen, and offseason workouts.
Interview
Delaend, you did a little bit of everything last season for the Highlanders, what was the week to week preparation like for each game?
“I mostly prepared by watching film. I watched to see what weaknesses they have and how I could help my team exploit those weaknesses.”
On defense, looks like you got significant snaps at safety and corner, how did your overall game improve last year as a defensive back?
“It improved greatly. I was putting in a lot of work in the offseason to make sure I got better with my hands and my back pedal.”
What do you consider the strengths of your game on defense?
“My speed, my hips, and my football IQ.”
You touched the ball a lot on offense last season, how did that part of your game improve during your junior year?
“My route running improved a lot. My abilities running the ball and hitting the hole hard improved.”
This offseason you transferred from Kent-Meridian to Hazen, how has the move gone so far?
“It was smooth. When I got to Hazen, it is a family orientated school. Right now, we are in spring ball and it is going well.”
How are spring practices with the Highlanders going?
“It is a lot, but they are going really well. We are looking good. I am improving. I am learning new things from new coaches.”
Based on spring practices, where all on the field will we see you during your senior year?
“I will play some at corner, safety, receiver, running back, and on punt and kick return – the same as at Kent.”
Which specific parts of your game are you focused on this offseason?
“This offseason, I am working at corner a lot. I am focused on my coverage. I’ve been working on Cover 2, I struggled a little bit with that last year. I am also working on coming out of my breaks faster.”
Did you play 7v7 ball this spring?
“Yes. I played with Heir Football.”
How did playing 7v7 ball with Heir Football help improve your game this offseason?
“It improved a lot. Last year I was not as aggressive as I am now. Coach Reggie (Jones) put that into me. He made me more physical.”
Have you attended any camps or combines this offseason?
“Yes, I have. I went to the Pacific Northwest, Portland State, and Oregon State camps.”
How did the Oregon State camp go?
“It went really well. I received good feedback from DB coach. He said I looked really good, he likes the way I move, and he said ‘you are smart on the field’.”
Do you have any other upcoming camps scheduled?
“My next camp is the Eastern Washington camp. I may, depending on what happens, attend another camp or two this summer.”
Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?
“Eastern Washington, Portland State, and Carrol.”
Have you visited any schools in 2018?
“Yes, I took a visit to Eastern Washington.”
How did the EWU camp go?
“It was good. I liked the campus, they were real with me. They have a family feel there, I like that.”
Last question. When away from football this summer, what are you going to do for fun with your downtime?
“Spend time with my family and travel some.”
Delaend, thanks for your time today and good luck with the rest of your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: Ford family; Delaend Ford at EWU