Texas A&M: Keith Ford looks to follow in Tra Carson’s footsteps
Can Keith Ford follow in the footsteps of Tra Carson and give Texas A&M a second straight 1,000-yard rusher?
The Texas A&M Aggies had their first 1,000-yard rusher in the Kevin Sumlin era in Tra Carson last season. Carson transferred away from a crowded backfield at Oregon to a starting job at Texas A&M. Keith Ford will try to emulate Carson’s success over the next two seasons.
Ford transferred from the Oklahoma Sooners and will join fellow former Sooner Trevor Knight in the Texas A&M starting backfield in 2016. Ford transferred from Oklahoma last spring and had to sit out the 2015 season due to NCAA transfer rules. Entering 2016, he has a prime opportunity after the exit of starting running back Tra Carson to the NFL Draft.
Carson, much like Ford, transferred to the Aggies from another big-time program in the Oregon Ducks. The Aggies 2015 feature back played just one year with the Ducks. He rarely saw the field during his freshman season and decided to transfer back home.
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Carson’s career at A&M featured some solid stats: 2,075 yards rushing, 19 touchdowns and 4.8 yards per carry. His lone year as the starter, he rushed for 1,165 yards and seven touchdowns. He also became the first back under head coach Kevin Sumlin with 1,000-plus yards rushing at Texas A&M.
Ford was the starting running back at Oklahoma before an injury cost him the job to Samaje Perine. He put together two spotty, productive seasons in Norman. He played in just 13 games but rushed for 526 yards and six touchdowns on 5.6 yards per carry. Ford definitely showed flashes of brilliance, but couldn’t sustain it.
The Aggies are hoping he can turn those flashes into a successful two seasons in College Station. They found depth and a nice starter in Carson and hope Ford can do the same. He won’t be alone either with James White returning as well.
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Ford and White could create a bruising tandem for the Aggies. Ford comes in as the lighter one at 5’11” and 215 pounds, while White comes in at 6’0″ and 220 pounds. This combo, along with the previously Knight and a loaded receiving corp could create an explosive A&M offense.