Interview: 3-Star 2020 California RB Xzavier Ford Talks Breakout 1,900-Yard 23-TD Season
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
Kids working hard in the offseason lay down at night to dream about how they want their regular season to turn out. Some can make their dreams happen, and some cannot – Xzavier Ford can. The 6-0, 190-pound, tailback for Glendora High School rushed for 1,920 yards off 213 totes with 23 trips to the end zone in 2018. Showing his all-purpose talents, the Class of 2020 prospect secured four passes for 55 yards with another touchdown and took five kicks back for 118 yards. His breakout season was awarded with first team All-League and All-Area honors. And now, college programs are taking notice.
In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of the rising star’s in California’s loaded backfield class to learn more about his game and offseason goals.
Interview
Xzavier, you put up some crazy yards out of the backfield in 2018. In your own words, how did your junior season play out on the field?
“During my sophomore year, I did not have that many touches. Going to my junior year, it was amazing. I had a lot to work on throughout the season. I put in a lot of work in the offseason, I feel it went really well.”
What type of offense do the Tartans run and how are you highlighted within the offense?
“We are more of a balanced offense in the spread and I-formations. They would use me heavily in the run game. When the defense started picking up on our running tendencies we would open it up.”
The Tartans squared off against some talented teams throughout the season. How did those difficult games help mold you into an even better running back?
“At the beginning of the season against non-league teams, that helped me improve my vision – that got better, I hit the holes better, and I was reading my blocks better. The non-league games helped my confidence late in the season.”
Which game was your best in 2018?
“It is hard to pick. It would be between Ayala High School and Burbank.”
What made those games your best?
“In the Ayala game, it was about where we came from down 17 at halftime. We rallied for the “W”. With how I was able to contribute to that win, that was my best game in general.”
*Ford credited with 285 rushing yards and three touchdowns off 26 carries vs. Ayala
What are the overall strengths to your game entering the offseason?
“My explosiveness, speed, and I have developed more power.”
What have you been working on this offseason?
“I am working on getting stronger and faster and being more patient in the hole. I struggled with my patience allowing plays to develop sometimes in the season. I am also running track for my school and lifting at TNT.”
A quick turn to recruiting. Which schools are showing interest in you?
“Utah, UCLA, and San Jose State.”
Nice. You mentioned performing in track and field, which events?
“I compete in the 400, triple jump, and the 100.”
Xzavier, keep up the good work this offseason, and thanks for your time today.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: dmunsonphoto.com; No. 10 Xzavier Ford breaks free