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2023 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: John Ford II, LB, University of Tennessee-Martin

John Ford II the hard hitting linebacker from the University of Tennessee-Martin recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of Draft Diamonds
John Ford II the hard-hitting linebacker from the University of Tennessee-Martin recently sat down with Justin Berendzen of Draft Diamonds
  • Name: John Ford II
  • Position: LB
  • College: University of Tennessee-Martin
  • Height: 6’3″
  • Weight: 238 lbs
  • Twitter: @jonnyboi615
  • Instagram: @jonnyboi615

What made you decide you wanted to be a football player?

Honestly in high school I played every sport because I didn’t want my parents to pay for my college tuition and basketball wasn’t going to happen so it was either track or football and I ended up falling in love for football.

What sets you apart from other linebackers?

I want to say my work ethic. I put in extra hours of film and as soon as I wake up and eat I get to the facility to watch film. I love being coached and want to learn things.

What type of energy do you bring onto the football field?

I bring alot of passion and energy when we give up a big play and I say “bend but don’t break” to the team.

What are you looking forward to in your upcoming season?

I’m looking forward to wanting to meet my personal goals and leave a legacy at UT Martin, win another OVC championship, get further in the FCS playoffs and be one of the best linebackers not only in the OVC but the FCS.

If there was a billboard with 5 of your traits on it which 5 traits would be up there?

Hardworking, reliable, consistent, leader and trustworthy.

What are your favorite moments from your football life?

I have 3 moments. 1.My first college interception against EIU it was a pick 6. 2.Being OVC champs with a great team. 3.Going up to Montana and holding it close 14-7 going into the 4th in the FCS playoffs after winning the game before making school history winning a FCS playoff first team to do that.

What should we know about John Ford the person?

You should know that he is hard working guy, loves to be around people, and takes advantage of all opportunities presented to him, loves to laugh but also be serious and get the job done.

What do you think are the keys to success on the football field?

Being prepared you need to know who you are going up against and what their tendencies are and proper planning prevents piss poor performance.

How do you handle challenges both in life and on the football field?

On the football field I embrace them and move forward and find a solution and it’s kinda the same way in life you keep fighting and ask for help to find a solution and don’t be discouraged.

What would a team get in a player like you?

They would get a hard working individual and someone not afraid to do the dirty work from special teams to a starting job and do everything that’s asked of me with no complaints.

What is your favorite defensive scheme and why?

I like the gapped out scheme it allows me to play my gap and play faster all 4 downs.

If you could hang out with any football player past or present for a day who and why?

It’s between Darius Leonard and Bobby Wagner. Bobby Wagner he’s incredibly smart and is always around the ball. Darius Leonard he’s fast and causes havoc when he is around the ball, punching the ball out and he is also smart and a student of the game.

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