‘Unicorn Athlete’ Jackson Ford Commits to Penn State Football | 3 Things to Know
When I walked into Malvern Prep’s weekly spring practice, one thing stood out to me; new Penn State Football commit Jackson Ford is built like a Division I edge Rusher.
Ford impressed at the spring practice to say the least.
The 4-star Edge Rusher has now chosen to take his talents to Happy Valley.
3 Things to Know About Penn State Football Commit Jackson Ford
1. Jackson Ford Fits Penn State Very Well
In speaking with Ford’s high school coach, one theme consistently came up. Jackson Ford fits everything Penn State is about.
“So, I feel like all the schools in his final four, I think he would have been a fit for.” Coach Dave Gueriera tells NittanyCentral. “I feel like it came down to Jackson really feeling the most confident … And I think after his official visit, well, his second visit of the spring, I think he was ready at that point to make Penn State his home.”
Gueriera continued talking about how much Ford loves Penn State.
“[He feels] the love from the coaching staff, he sees the culture. He sees the coaching culture,” Gueriera says. “The player culture, and he wants to be a part of that. He really fell in love with the whole operation at Penn State… He really wanted to be a part of that, I think it helps that it (Penn State) is closer to home…”
To wrap up, Coach Gueriera said this. “I just think like, it (Penn State) was the right fit.”
Being an in-state kid, only a few hours from State College, and having the same culture values that Jackson Ford has, makes him a great fit for Penn State Football.
2. Jackson Ford Has the Potential to Make Impact in Year One
Looking way down the road, Penn State will likely have a hole or two at Defensive End in Ford’s freshman season.
They will for sure lose Dani Dennis-Sutton and Zuriah Fisher. This could be an opportunity for Ford to snatch.
Coach Gueriera said. “I don’t know what Penn State has in the room coming back. I imagine they got a lot of highly talented kids there. But, I wouldn’t put it past Jackson to be able to make an impact in his freshman year.”
If things go right for Ford, he could be a year-one impact player. His size, speed, and strength will allow him a better chance to jump right in and make an impact.
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3. Jackson Ford is a Unicorn Athlete
Not only is Jackson Ford, 6-4, 240 pounds, but he also possesses more athletic features than just size.
On multiple occasions, Coach Gueriera has stated how he and Malvern Prep plan to weaponize Jackson Ford out wide this season. Which is just crazy to think. A 6-4, 240 Defensive End, athletic enough to play Wide Receiver! That is a special athlete. Ford possesses strength, burst, and an impressive speed.
S”I would tell you, he runs very well,” Gueriera says, of Ford’s speed. “Jackson’s probably like a 4.6 [40 yard dash time].” That is moving for a Defensive End.
Not only does Ford have these ultra-athletic traits, but he puts them to use.
One of the traits Coach Gueriera highlighted was Ford’s motor. It is very evident in his Hudl film. Ford does not stop. He makes good on his physical gifts with an unrelenting motor.
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Purdy was born and raised in central Ohio and served for four years writing for his high school's newsletter. Currently studying Biblical Studies at Lancaster Bible College in Pennsylvania, Ian has been a lifelong Nittany Lion fan.