Jim Knowles Calls Trace Ford an ‘All-American Prospect’

As good as Trace Ford was last season, it sounds like he could be an even more dominant force on an experienced Cowboy defense this season.

As a true freshman, Ford led all Oklahoma State defensive linemen with 20 solo tackles, but his listing as a defensive end is a little misleading. He lined up everywhere. And now it sounds as if 2020 Trace Ford could make 2019 Trace Ford look like the true freshman he was.

As a true freshman, Ford was listed at 6-foot-3, 227 pounds. As a sophomore, he comes in at 6-foot-4, 248 pounds.

“Stud,” OSU defensive coordinator Jim Knowles said. “The kid is a physical specimen with unbelievable short-space quickness and a great first step. I think he’s a real All-American prospect. He’s got a bright future, and he’s bigger and stronger.

“And he’s starting to get a little mean out here. He’s played a lot now, so he’s starting to get a little mean on the field in having a competitive attitude. The sky is the limit for him.”

A meaner, bigger, stronger, physical specimen with unbelievable short-space quickness sounds like it will be quite an issue for Big 12 offenses.

Ford finished last season with 29 total tackles, four tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, five pass breakups, a team-best nine QB hurries and a forced fumble.

A four-star prospect in the 2018 recruiting class, Ford seems to be living up to his billing, and the scary part is it’s still early.

“He’s been doing really good,” senior defensive tackle Cameron Murray said. “Trace is like a jackrabbit. He’s always over the field. He’s always moving around and doing stuff that he needs to do. He’s a good player, overall. I really like Trace and his mentality.

“He brings a good presence to our defense. He has a lot of speed, a lot of talent. He’s going to be very successful one day, and I like him on the team. He makes a big difference for the D-line.”