Kentucky believes Courtland Ford has correct makeup to make position switch

Kentucky needed offensive line help after a rough year in 2022. To fix some of the issues, the Wildcats went looking at the free agency pool. After landing Marques Cox to play left tackle in December, Kentucky waited until April to find some help at right tackle.

The Wildcats got USC transfer Courtland Ford to commit during his official visit to Lexington, and the redshirt junior with three seasons of eligibility remaining just wrapped up his first week of practice at Kentucky. However, Ford has no experience at the position UK is asking him to play.

After playing solely left tackle in the Pac-12 over the last two seasons, the Cedar Hill (Texas) High product started 11 games at USC but has never taken a snap at right tackle during his collegiate career. However, Kentucky believes the transfer can make the position switch.

“Another real high football IQ kid. Well-coached at USC. Got two As this summer in summer classes. Does everything right,” Kentucky offensive coordinator Liam Coen told KSR on Friday. “He cares, he studies, he knows the game. So for him, to be able to make that transition isn’t that difficult.

“He’s athletic, he’s long, he’s smart. Fits in extremely well in the room with his coaches. Excited about seeing what he can do for us.”

Courtland Ford is having to re-train himself. After starting eight games as a redshirt freshman in 2021, injuries slowed the young tackle in 2022. However, when he played, Ford was at left tackle. Early during fall camp, the USC transfer is having to do everything backward.

“Just really locking in and tuning in on my craft. Especially switching from left to right — that’s one of the big emphasis. Especially on the edge,” Ford told KSR. “I heard a quote, somebody said ‘it’s like wiping your butt with the opposite hand’ going to the right side. And I completely understand. You’re doing everything opposite from what you were doing but that’s the beauty of football.”

“It’s everything. From a left jab hand from the left side to know you transition to a right jab hand. From a left step you going to a right.”

Courtland Ford is working on accumulating reps during camp and building muscle memory so that playing on the right side becomes second nature. Offensive line coach Zach Yenser also believes reps will be key for Ford. The transfer is currently working with the twos at right tackle to adjust to the new position and scheme. UK likes what they’ve seen some Ford so far and his movement skills have already shown up.

“Two practices in, he’s doing a really good job over there. It all comes down to how he handles himself. All he does is worry about what he can worry about, what he can handle. No other outside stuff,” Yenser said. “He comes in, grinds every single day, and he has the confidence to come in and play right tackle.”

“He was just so fluid. You even go back to his ’21 season. He was a little bit lighter than he was in the ’22 season before he got hurt. He even told me that. We sat down and watched film when he was on his visit — he took me through a game. Just his mentality and how he saw the game and just the defense. Just how smart he was and just look how he moves. He can glide, he can cover people up. There’s things we can continue to improve on — strength, anchor — but that’s our job.”

Ford still needs to earn the opportunity to get reps with the ones, but that is likely on the way. The transfer has a high pass protection ceiling and protecting Devin Leary is a top goal for the offense. The new right tackle will likely find his way on the field sooner rather than later. The mental makeup and character of the newest transfer tackle have shown up immediately. Courtland Ford knows what lies ahead of him. The tackle even mentioned that position versatility is something that NFL scouts will want to see. This is a mature player who knows where he stands and what he needs to earn. That veteran approach is something that UK hopes will improve the offensive line play this fall. Ford is not backing down from what’s ahead of him.

“I’m up for the challenge,” the USC transfer said.