Texas LB Jaylan Ford Enters 2024 NFL Draft
Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford officially declared for the 2024 NFL Draft on Monday afternoon, ending his four-year career as one of the best defenders in the Big 12.
The senior linebacker finished off the 2023 season as the Longhorns leading tackler with 101 stops, one sack, one forced fumble, and two interceptions in his final year with Texas.
Ford spent four years in Austin from 2020-2023 and finished off his career with 287 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, six interceptions, and four pass breakups.
In his announcement video, Ford recapped some of his favorite memories as a Longhorn, thanking Steve Sarkisian and the coaching staff in the process.
“Dear Texas, I hoped by the time this day would come, that my legacy here would be as good as some of the greats who have came before me,” Ford said in the video.
“I never knew how fast this day would come, but they say all good things must come to an end I’ve given my all to this school and to make sure I left Texas football better than what it was when it found me. While the journey was never easy, you taught me to be resilient. I lacked courage, but you made me fearless. Being great was only a passion, and now it is my obsession.”
“I would like to thank my coaches for the role that they played in my development. I want to thank the fans for their unwavering support. I want to thank my teammates who have become my brothers, and last but not least, I want to thank my family for always uplifting me. With that being said, while my time at Texas has come to an end, this is only the beginning. Thank you Longhorn nation, Hook ‘Em, 41 out.”
In total, Ford will end his collegiate career with 287 total tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, and six interceptions.
