Former Penn State running back Devyn Ford set to transfer to Notre Dame
Virginia native and former Penn State running back Devyn Ford has found his next school. After entering the transfer portal just over a month ago, April 24, the Stafford native announced Friday night that he’ll suit up for Notre Dame this upcoming season.
Appearing in the first four games of the 2022 season, Penn State head coach James Franklin announced on Oct. 1 that Ford was no longer with the team.
“We wish him the best,” Franklin said. “I think you guys know I’ve praised Devyn Ford for four years, I’ve got a ton of respect for him and I wish him nothing but the best.”
Franklin added, “He’s decided he wants to focus on academics and we wish him nothing but the best. I have a ton of respect for him and wish him nothing but the best.”
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Although it was never acknowledged publicly, it’s believed that Ford wanted to redshirt last season to preserve his eligibility once it became clear that freshmen running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen were set to receive the majority of the carries. Ford was actually fourth on the depth chart at the time, behind Keyvone Lee, who has since transferred to Mississippi State.
Ford played four seasons total at Penn State. He totaled 150 snaps as a freshman and nearly doubled that total as a sophomore in 2020, playing 280 snaps. However, that dropped substantially in 2021, with Lee, Noah Cain and John Lovett earning the majority of the carries.
Through four seasons, Ford finished with 669 yards rushing on 140 carries, scoring six touchdowns. Since he only played in four games for Penn State in 2022, Ford has two years of eligibility remaining.
At Notre Dame, Ford has an opportunity to be the team’s second or third running back. Audric Estime will earn the majority of carries, but the Irish lack experience following Logan Diggs’ decision to transfer. Gi’Bran Payne, Jadarian Price and Jeremiyah Love have total just two carries combined between them.
