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Houston will give Althoff grad Jason Ford a chance to play in NFL
BY STEVE KORTE
Former University of Illinois running back Jason Ford hopes a switch to fullback will lead to a career in the NFL.
Ford said he's agreed to terms on a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans on Saturday night.
"Yes, I'm a Houston Texan," the Althoff High School graduate said.
Ford said he went into the draft process as both a running back and a fullback to increase his options.
"I went in as a running back and a fullback, and they've got a vacant spot at fullback," Ford said. "I come in as one of the only fullbacks they've got, so I have a chance to make their roster and get some playing time."
Ford played in 48 games during his career with the Illini. He rushed for 1,962 yards and 26 touchdowns (second most in Illinois history).
Ford had 155 carries for a career-high 600 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Ford doesn't see the move to fullback as being a tough transition.
"Not at all," Ford said. "At Illinois, I did a little bit of both. In some packages, I go to fullback. I don't mind blocking at all, and I feel like I have pretty good hands coming out of the backfield."
Ford said he watched the 2012 NFL draft, but he wasn't upset about not hearing his name being called.
As undrafted free agent, he was able to pick the place where he wanted to play.
"I'm not really disappointed," Ford said. "Of course, you always want to get drafted, but in free agency you have the chance to put yourself in the best situation. I had other teams call seeing if I wanted to come there, but the best situation was in Houston. I'm just glad of where I am at right now. I have a great opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it.
http://www.bnd.com/2012/04/29/2158566/houston-will-give-ford-a-chance.html
BY STEVE KORTE
Former University of Illinois running back Jason Ford hopes a switch to fullback will lead to a career in the NFL.
Ford said he's agreed to terms on a contract as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans on Saturday night.
"Yes, I'm a Houston Texan," the Althoff High School graduate said.
Ford said he went into the draft process as both a running back and a fullback to increase his options.
"I went in as a running back and a fullback, and they've got a vacant spot at fullback," Ford said. "I come in as one of the only fullbacks they've got, so I have a chance to make their roster and get some playing time."
Ford played in 48 games during his career with the Illini. He rushed for 1,962 yards and 26 touchdowns (second most in Illinois history).
Ford had 155 carries for a career-high 600 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Ford doesn't see the move to fullback as being a tough transition.
"Not at all," Ford said. "At Illinois, I did a little bit of both. In some packages, I go to fullback. I don't mind blocking at all, and I feel like I have pretty good hands coming out of the backfield."
Ford said he watched the 2012 NFL draft, but he wasn't upset about not hearing his name being called.
As undrafted free agent, he was able to pick the place where he wanted to play.
"I'm not really disappointed," Ford said. "Of course, you always want to get drafted, but in free agency you have the chance to put yourself in the best situation. I had other teams call seeing if I wanted to come there, but the best situation was in Houston. I'm just glad of where I am at right now. I have a great opportunity, and I want to take advantage of it.
http://www.bnd.com/2012/04/29/2158566/houston-will-give-ford-a-chance.html