Scouting new PSU DT Alonzo Ford Jr.

[CaliLION79]

ALONZO FORD SCOUT

See Link. Undersized DT but still started Game 1 as a true freshman...which is rare for an interior d-lineman no matter what level of football he's playing. At his current stature, he's a good fit in what Manny Diaz likes to do but several pounds shy of the big space eaters Franklin has been asking for since the Michigan debacle.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

ALONZO FORD SCOUT

See Link. Undersized DT but still started Game 1 as a true freshman...which is rare for an interior d-lineman no matter what level of football he's playing. At his current stature, he's a good fit in what Manny Diaz likes to do but several pounds shy of the big space eaters Franklin has been asking for since the Michigan debacle.

275 lbs I saw?

 

[GregInPitt]

Do not pass go. Go straight to the S&C program, the training table, nutrition bar, .......

Some report Ford more toward 290 lbs. He could easily train to 305 by August if he works hard at it and has the frame for it.

 

[LMTLION]

Do not pass go. Go straight to the S&C program, the training table, nutrition bar, .......

Some report Ford more toward 290 lbs. He could easily train to 305 by August if he works hard at it and has the frame for it.

Yeah I saw both 272 and 290. Interesting.

 

[MacNit07]

Do not pass go. Go straight to the S&C program, the training table, nutrition bar, .......

Some report Ford more toward 290 lbs. He could easily train to 305 by August if he works hard at it and has the frame for it.

If he can play, he can play…ADonakd and latest Pitt DT seem fine at that weight!

 

[Ian]

Ceiling is #5 but more likely he’s #7 or deeper on the chart. Can’t see him beating out JVD or Artis. Minimal impact in 2023… 2022 conference HM at ODU. Come on man.

 

[Online Persona]

Ceiling is #5 but more likely he’s #7 or deeper on the chart. Can’t see him beating out JVD or Artis. Minimal impact in 2023… 2022 conference HM at ODU. Come on man.

I doubt Franklin is bringing in a kid that he anticipates to be #7 or deeper on the depth chart. This kid started as a freshman and became more disruptive last year with sacks and tackles for loss. Old Dominion actually beat Virginia Tech and nearly beat Virginia last year so he did play some ACC competition.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

Ceiling is #5 but more likely he’s #7 or deeper on the chart. Can’t see him beating out JVD or Artis. Minimal impact in 2023… 2022 conference HM at ODU. Come on man.

I think he'll be competing for that #4 role tbh.

 

[Obliviax]

275 lbs I saw?

ODU rooster said 290

 

[lazydave841]

ODU rooster said 290

290 pound will do ooh ooh ohh. Says the rooster.

 

[lazydave841]

Ceiling is #5 but more likely he’s #7 or deeper on the chart. Can’t see him beating out JVD or Artis. Minimal impact in 2023… 2022 conference HM at ODU. Come on man.

I think he'll be competing for that #4 role tbh.

Penn State football earns massive portal pledge at key position of need

The Nittany Lions added a new face on defense when a former Group of Five defender committed to the program.

www.on3.com

 

[GregInPitt]

If he can play, he can play…ADonakd and latest Pitt DT seem fine at that weight!

Yep, and Franklin has been known to explain that lots of DT's believe they can be A. Donald, when they actually can not, which is why Franklin has also said lately that PSU's DL needs to get bigger to stop the best OL's and running games PSU faces!!

 

[Obliviax]

I saw the ODU roster just before he was removed and it listed him at 290. Regardless, ODU staff raves about the kid. I have to believe PSU strength and conditioning is a step above ODUs (I could be wrong here). I think they can get 20 ~ 30 lbs on this kid without losing his agility. If he can play at 290 or more he can make the grade in the B1G.

 

[bdgan]

ALONZO FORD SCOUT

See Link. Undersized DT but still started Game 1 as a true freshman...which is rare for an interior d-lineman no matter what level of football he's playing. At his current stature, he's a good fit in what Manny Diaz likes to do but several pounds shy of the big space eaters Franklin has been asking for since the Michigan debacle.

This seems like a questionable addition if you go purely by ratings (On3 says 79.8). PSU has limited scholarships available and this doesn't appear to be a higher rated player than what we already have. The staff must see potential in Ford. Let's hope they're right.

 

[marshall23]

Why didn't anyone here warn Franklin that this kid isn't good enough before he gave him a scholarship?

 

[GregInPitt]

This seems like a questionable addition if you go purely by ratings (On3 says 79.8). PSU has limited scholarships available and this doesn't appear to be a higher rated player than what we already have. The staff must see potential in Ford. Let's hope they're right.

Yep. Will he be a better player this coming season than the inexperienced Artis? Who knows.

I look at this addition as a player that can play, but likely will require some time to adjust to the level of competition that PSU faces every week. A player that may not play much in 2023 if the PSU returning DL remains healthy. But a player that could contribute in the rotation in 2023 if there are significant injuries. Basically depth for 2023.

Then if Mr. Ford buys in and puts his best efforts in the S&C program he will likely be a key experienced DT for 2024.

I hope he can come in and be an All B10 DT. But "hope" is not a business plan........

 

[bdgan]

Yep. Will he be a better player this coming season than the inexperienced Artis? Who knows.

I look at this addition as a player that can play, but likely will require some time to adjust to the level of competition that PSU faces every week. A player that may not play much in 2023 if the PSU returning DL remains healthy. But a player that could contribute in the rotation in 2023 if there are significant injuries. Basically depth for 2023.

Then if Mr. Ford buys in and puts his best efforts in the S&C program he will likely be a key experienced DT for 2024.

I hope he can come in and be an All B10 DT. But "hope" is not a business plan........

That's my point. Ford looks like a 3rd team guy to add depth, not a big run stuffer to fill a weakness in the starting lineup. It's not just that he has to be better than Artis. We have Izzard who is a RS junior who weighs 291 pounds (and Durant who is smaller)

 

[19333lion]

This is his high school Hudl highlight film. Listed at 290. Has good lateral movement and holds up well at the point of attack. He also looks naturally strong. He graduated high school in 2020.

Alonzo Ford on Hudl

Watch Alonzo Ford's videos and highlights on Hudl. More info: Varina High School - Boys' JV Football / T, DT / Class of 2020 / Richmond, VA

www.hudl.com

 

[royboy]

That's my point. Ford looks like a 3rd team guy to add depth, not a big run stuffer to fill a weakness in the starting lineup. It's not just that he has to be better than Artis. We have Izzard who is a RS junior who weighs 291 pounds (and Durant who is smaller)

Wait and see. He plays a position of need for this Penn State team. Scholarships are tight, so the coaches must have done their homework, and feel that Ford can help the team.

 

[bdgan]

Wait and see. He plays a position of need for this Penn State team. Scholarships are tight, so the coaches must have done their homework, and feel that Ford can help the team.

Or that they were unsuccessful at getting a higher rated DT.

Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Ford. I like feel good stories like a kid coming from Old Dominion to become a 2nd team all BiG. Let's hope it happens.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

This seems like a questionable addition if you go purely by ratings (On3 says 79.8). PSU has limited scholarships available and this doesn't appear to be a higher rated player than what we already have. The staff must see potential in Ford. Let's hope they're right.

Who cares about ratings. Hes already had 2 years under his belt.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

Any word on how Beamon has been progressing as of late?

 

[GregInPitt]

That's my point. Ford looks like a 3rd team guy to add depth, not a big run stuffer to fill a weakness in the starting lineup. It's not just that he has to be better than Artis. We have Izzard who is a RS junior who weighs 291 pounds (and Durant who is smaller)

And a couple lbs of size really doesn't matter.

Izzard has likely played at a higher level against better competition than Ford. PSU's top 4 DT are very experienced and are talented as well.

Hopefully Ford knows what he is getting into so he's not an in and out guy like the CB.....

 

[Obliviax]

And a couple lbs of size really doesn't matter.

Izzard has likely played at a higher level against better competition than Ford. PSU's top 4 DT are very experienced and are talented as well.

Hopefully Ford knows what he is getting into so he's not an in and out guy like the CB.....

Agreed. ODU coaches have been effusive. We've had a great pipeline with ODU in the past and I wonder if this is another. Perhaps the ODU coaches knew this kid played better than ODU and were going to lose him so did PSU a solid since PSU has sent kids ODU's way in the past.

Either way, you've got to assume the staff knows a lot more than we know and you've got to trust them. Of course I'd love to have a 325 lb kid anchoring the middle but if this kid can bring it at 290, why not?

 

[lazydave841]

This seems like a questionable addition if you go purely by ratings (On3 says 79.8). PSU has limited scholarships available and this doesn't appear to be a higher rated player than what we already have. The staff must see potential in Ford. Let's hope they're right.

Or that they were unsuccessful at getting a higher rated DT.

As far as any of us know, this is the only portal DT to visit. (Please share if you know of any others) There were not any immediate impact DTs in the portal this winter/spring. Better size? Yes. Guarantee run stuffing, starter material? Unknown.

He has good production for a 2 year guy. Should be a 2 year player to go as well.

 

[ryoder1]

Ford has to get PT this year, this is an experienced portal transfer not a 3 star HS recruit. Yeah, ODU is not Power 5 but get over it. He won't start but should be a key guy in our rotation, maybe #4 or #5. The coaches see something in him and he probably is strong in an area that the current guys may not be as adept at which I hope is run stuffing. He may play the 1 technique well, I hope so.

 

[bdgan]

Is PSU still chasing Tywone Malone from Miss State? Originally from NJ and could make an immediate impact. Miami & Michigan are in the mix.

 

[rll1957]

The 6 foot 3 320 lb dt that can run is a unicorn so you either get a 275 guy that can run or a 325 that can’t

 

[bdgan]

The 6 foot 3 320 lb dt that can run is a unicorn so you either get a 275 guy that can run or a 325 that can’t

I'd settle for Mike Reid, Courtney Brown, Bruce Clark, etc.

 

[19333lion]

I'd settle for Mike Reid, Courtney Brown, Bruce Clark, etc.

Reid and Clark would be shrimps by today's standards. But, adjusted for inflating height and weight, I'd love to have 'em! CB is one of my favorite players ever. Boy, do I wish there were a CB Jr!

 

[Ian]

Wait and see. He plays a position of need for this Penn State team. Scholarships are tight, so the coaches must have done their homework, and feel that Ford can help the team.

Need to shed three ships as they are at 87 now and looking for a DB.

 

[bdgan]

Reid and Clark would be shrimps by today's standards. But, adjusted for inflating height and weight, I'd love to have 'em! CB is one of my favorite players ever. Boy, do I wish there were a CB Jr!

OK, then Jimmy Kennedy or Rosey Grier.

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

OK, then Jimmy Kennedy or Rosey Grier.

My fave DT ever was Kennedy. What a beast.

 

[royboy]

In this century, Tamba Hali and Jared Odrick were first-round NFL talents.

 

[Steve G]

Need to shed three ships as they are at 87 now and looking for a DB.

so how is that accomplished? Do some kids know they are on bubble? Coach calls them in "sorry Johnny we are giving you scholie to the new guy".

 

[lazydave841]

so how is that accomplished? Do some kids know they are on bubble? Coach calls them in "sorry Johnny we are giving you scholie to the new guy".

I guess when the summer/fall kids arrive, somebody has to leave. Those kids won't be portal eligible until December unless they graduate.

This tells me that our forthcoming cuts will likely be graduate transfers (3rd, 4th year kids).

 

[PSUWrestlingFanSince2011]

 

[royboy]

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Excellent. I like D-Linemen who can run, even if they line up inside.

PJ Mustipher ran a 5.41 at the NFL combine, not good.

 

[Bondist]

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That may be the most impressive test result on the team!

 

[blair10]

OK, then Jimmy Kennedy or Rosey Grier.

You can keep the fat guys. I would take Reid and Clark in any era.