Johnathan Ford has Twitter Abuzz

Johnathan Ford created a frenzy earlier today on Twitter, when it was rumored he would be making his decision at noon.  He quickly cleared up the confusion tweeting that he would still be announcing on National Signing Day, this Wednesday.

Not only did Ford have Twitter stirred up earlier today, but this weekend also.  Multiple sources “confirmed” that he was both visiting Auburn this past weekend and also that he never set foot on campus this past weekend.  That’s how it goes in the world of college football recruiting as recruits go to extremes to keep information quiet.

What would Ford mean to Tennessee?

Ford committed to Vanderbilt in April of last year, but decommitted on January 28th.  Ford is a player the Volunteers would love to sign on Wednesday, after missing out on Derrick Green, who committed to Michigan recently.  The 4 Star running back, out of New Hope, Alabama, has narrowed his choices to Auburn and Tennessee.  It’s believed he may prefer Tennessee but his family is strongly pushing him toward Auburn.  Ford would be another huge get for Vols head coach Butch Jones as he fits the mold of the type of running back coach Jones prefers to use.  He compares in size and game to former Cincinnati Bearcat and current St. Louis Ram Isaiah Pead.  Butch Jones leanded heavily on Pead during their two seasons together at Cincinnati.  Pead led the Big East in rushing during his senior season and was drafted in the second round by the Rams.

The Volunteers haven’t leaned heavily on just a single running back in recent history. Cincinnati had much the same approach before coach Jones took over.  Jonathan “Rudy” Ford and Butch Jones could be a match made in heaven if he signs on Wednesday. Tennessee has capable running backs in junior Marlin Lane, and senior Rajion Neal, but neither posses the possible star quality of Ford.

Johnathan Ford won’t be the recruit that makes or breaks this class for Butch Jones, but his signing would send a message to the rest of the SEC and help Tennessee’s recruiting in the long run.  Anytime you can land a recruit over a conference opponent, it’s a victory in itself. We will all know the future of Ford and the rest of Tennessee’s 2013 class on National Signing Day, Wednesday, February the 6th. Remember to check allfortennessee.com for live updates and follow us on Twitter @allfortennessee