Jaylan Ford lists other linebackers he watches to learn from
The preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year resides in Austin, TX. Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford is expected to have another huge season for the Longhorns, a year removed from breaking out. During fall camp in 2021, Steve Sarkisian was not too sure about the middle linebacker role. Now, Ford is the bonafide guy and potential leader of the defense.
During his recent media availability, Ford was asked if there is a linebacker he studies. The answer should make Texas fans’ ears perk, saying the name Fred Warner. One of the bests in the NFL, there is no specific area of Warner’s game Ford is watching on tape.
“I’d say the first one I definitely study is Fred Warner,” Ford said. “One thing as a linebacker is, we like to watch their feet. That’s probably the most important thing being a linebacker. Always be in a position to make plays. Fred Warner has pretty good feet, instincts. Just being an all-around linebacker and playmaker.”
Warner has been in the NFL for just five seasons but already has two All-Pros attached to his resume. Earning a five-year contract worth over $95 million from the San Francisco 49ers before the rookie deal expired is never a bad sign either.
If you need further proof of how well Warner has played since being drafted, his career high of 137 tackles was achieved during the 2021 season. Funny enough, he was not named a first-team All-Pro member that season.
His career low is still an incredible number, coming in at 118 tackles. However, the tackles for loss were there with 7.0 and working an all-time high of 3.0 sacks.
Obviously at a different level but Ford reached the triple-digit tackle total in 2022 with 119. The TFLs piled up as well with 10.0 but the four interceptions were a real difference for Pete Kwiatkowski‘s defense. Studying somebody like Warner can only help Ford improve throughout the course of an offseason.
Outside of Warner, Ford mentioned DeMario Davis and Shaq Thompson as other guys he watches — another duo who have excelled at the NFL. Those would be some high standards to live up to if Ford was looking to match their play. But taking parts of their game and attempting to apply it throughout the 2023 season will help his case for earning the postseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year award.