Johnathan Ford commits to Auburn over Tennessee on National Signing Day

Also called “Rudy,” Johnathan Ford, a 5’11, 190-pound back, is a four-star player according to some services. Rivals considers the New Hope, Ala. native the No. 15 running back in the nation.

The running back had previously been committed to Vanderbilt, pledging to the Commodores last April. But as National Signing Day approached, his stock grew: he picked up several offers, and was bumped from a three-star recruit to a four-star recruit by several services. With all that in mind, Ford had second thoughts - something that didn’t go over well with players on Vandy - and reopened his commitment. His new list contained three schools: Auburn, Tennessee, and Georgia.

Ford had a visit with Auburn two weekends ago, and came away impressed. Georgia was knocked out of the running, and the decision came down to Auburn and Tennessee. There was some confusion as there was speculation the running back would announce his commitment on Monday, but he needed a few extra days to decide and he held off until signing day. However, it was expected that Ford would pick Auburn, as SB Nation’s Bud Elliott wrote:

This one really depends on what happens with Tarean Folston. If Folston flips from Notre Dame to Auburn, expect that to push the former Vanderbilt commitment to Tennessee. If Folston sticks with Notre Dame, however, Ford is likely to choose Auburn.

At Auburn, Ford joins a class that already has a four-star running back in junior college transfer Cameron Artis-Payne.

Ratings: Rivals, four-star (No. 15 RB), Scout, four-star (No. 35 RB), ESPN, three stars (No. 105 RB)

Vitals: 5’11”, 190 pounds

Other offers: Georgia, Tennessee

Twitter: Ford tweets at @Rudythebeast5.

Recruitment timeline: Ford had been committed to Vanderbilt, but changed his mind, the decision coming down to signing day.

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