CFP COTTON BOWL: Cincinnati's Ford tired of the 'Bama transfer' moniker

Running back Jerome Ford led Cincinnati to an American Athletic Conference title but wants no part of being known as the ‘former Aabama running back.’ (Courtesy Unv. Cincinnati Media Relations)

By GRAHAM DUNN

Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford wants to be known exactly like that.

The running back from the University of Cincinnati… or something like that.

The former member of the Alabama Crimson Tide transferred two years ago and has made a name for himself  leading the fourth-ranked Bearcats to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

“I’m thankful for everything Coach (Nick) Saban had done for me, and that opportunity to play at Alabama,” Ford said. “But I’m a Bearcat and I would kind of appreciate if people stopped calling me ‘the Alabama transfer.’ I’m a Cincinnati Bearcat.”

 Ford led all rushers with 1,242 yards this season. In his two seasons at Bama, he had  just 151 yards on 31 carries.

His biggest game came in 2019 when he started against Duke and rushed for 64 yards that incuded a 37-yard run for a score.

Ford was asked if he made the right decision and what he’s done at Cincinati made it the right one. His answer was an avoidance, at best.

“I don’t know how to answer that question,” he said.

When Saban arrived in Dallas, he was immediately asked about the former Tide running bank.

“We thought Jerome was an outstanding player when he was with us,” Saban said. “He had some success with us, and I think he’s done a really, really good job of continuing to develop as a player. He’s got great speed. He’s physical. He makes people miss. He can run with power, and he’s had a fantastic year.

“And I’m really happy that things have worked out well for him where he can create value for himself in terms of the goals and aspirations that he had. And he’ll certainly be a challenge for us in terms of our defense being able to stop their offense. And he’s certainly a key part of what they do in terms of their running game. And he’s also a good receiver. So, he’s a very good all-around player.”

If there is an expectation for Ford to be “vindictive” or otherwise, he’s not playing Friday for any proof that he deserved more playing time at Alabama.

“It’s a business trip. I came here to play football,” Ford said Monday. “It won’t be one of those things where it’s like, ‘Oh, my buddies are over there.’ It will be just like playing another team.”