Defensive lineman Tyson Ford made it official on his verbal commitment, signing early with Notre Dame. Ford is a composite four-star, the second-ranked prospect from Missouri, and the #22 defensive lineman. Ford was an early priority of the Marcus Freeman era, and the Irish locked in the St. Louis product.
Ford’s commitment has hardly been in doubt since January. Oklahoma was once considered a player in his recruitment, and Ford visited Iowa State and Missouri. But after committing in January, Ford has been locked in. He took one official visit to South Bend in June. On November 30, Ford illustrated his support for Freeman and the Irish during the coaching chaos. His tweet read: “Coach Freeman! I was the first recruit you ever spoke to. Your words reminded me how great of a place Notre Dame is. I was with you then, and I’m still with you now…Everyone show love for #FreemanEra.”
Tyson Ford has the potential to play multiple positions on the defensive line. Primarily recruited as an edge prospect, Ford has flashed ability on the interior line. Standing at 6’5 and 260 pounds, Ford added weight that makes him a little more of an interior recruit. Fellow four-star defensive lineman recruit Aidan Gobaira sizes up to more like a defensive end. This could foreshadow a move inside for Ford.
The Irish probably have some time to coach up Ford, who dominated slightly lesser high school competition. Adjusting to a new speed and new position could delay Ford’s impact on the Irish. That being said, the Irish do lose their top two interior defensive linemen in Kurt Hinish and Myron Tagovailoa-Amosa. So if Ford adjusts faster than anticipated, he could compete for snaps in 2022.
