So You Drafted Penn State DT Alonzo Ford Jr.

Hotnews

Apr 7, 2026 - 09:44

0 0

So You Drafted Penn State DT Alonzo Ford Jr.

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Penn State Nittany Lions Defensive Tackle Alonzo Ford Jr. (50) rushes during the first half of the College Football game between the Villanova Wildcats and the Penn State Nittany Lions on September 13, 2025, at Beaver Stadium in University Park, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

THE SKINNY

Alonzo Ford Jr. began his career at Old Dominion, opting to stay in-state after departing Varina High School in Richmond, Virginia. It didn’t take long for Ford to become an impact player for the Monarchs, contributing 38 tackles with 2.5 TFLs, 0.5 sacks as well as a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He became more of a threat to the backfield as a sophomore, where he finished with 3.5 sacks and 5 TFLs.

Ford caught the attention of the Penn State staff, joining the Nittany Lions prior to the 2023 season. Unfortunately, Ford would be forced to use a redshirt season after suffering a season-ending injury in the weeks ahead to the start of the season.

Ford was able to return to the field and quickly proved he was prepared for the leap to the Big Ten. After easing his way into the lineup, Ford would tie a career-high with seven tackles against UCLA, then following that up with two TFLs to help Penn State earn a hard-fought victory over Wisconsin after Drew Allar excited the game with a minor injury.

Ford played in all 13 games as a senior in 2025, starting 11 contests. He had his first career interception in week two against Florida International, showcasing impressive athleticism for a defensive tackle just under 300 pounds:

Ford finished the year with 18 tackles, but had just 0.5 TFLs and no sacks.

WHAT YOU’RE GETTING

Ford may not load up the stat sheet, but played a very important role for the Nittany Lions defense the past two seasons. At 6-3 and just under 300 lbs., Ford can be a load to handle in the interior of the line. He uses his strength to hold his ground and makes it difficult to move out of the way with a single blocker.

He also possess impressive athleticism for someone of his size, posting a 4.86 40-yard dash at Penn State’s Pro Day.

Ford did not receive an invitation to the NFL Combine, and is projected as a late round pick or to land in the NFL as an undrafted free agent. While he may need to prove himself in training camp, Ford absolutely has the NFL body and skillet to be make a 53-man roster in 2026, while providing depth at defensive tackle with a chance to expand his role in the coming years.