University of Cincinnati running back Jerome Ford made it clear before the College Football Playoff Cotton Bowl semifinal game that he no longer wants to be referred to as "the Alabama transfer."
On Monday, three days after leading the Bearcats against his former team, Ford said, "I will be forever proud to be a Cincinnati Bearcat," as the redshirt junior declared for the 2022 NFL Draft.
"Thanks so much for embracing me and making me a part of the Cincinnati Bearcats family for the last two years," Ford said in a post via Twitter. "Since I arrived on campus, you have made this kid from Tampa feel at home."
Ford, who had 77 yards on 15 carries in Cincinnati's 27-6 loss Friday against the Crimson Tide, rushed for 1,319 yards and 19 touchdowns this season en route to leading the Bearcats to their second straight American Athletic Conference championship.
Ford, who transferred to Cincinnati from Alabama prior to the 2020 season, earned first-team All-AAC honors this season and was named the Most Valuable Player in the Bearcats' 35-20 win over Houston in the 2021 American Athletic Conference Championship Game.
"It has always been my dream to play in the NFL and I am in this position because of everything the University of Cincinnati has given me," Ford said.
Ford tied the single-season school records for total touchdowns (20) and rushing touchdowns (19). His 1,319 yards in 2021 rank fifth in school history. Ford led the AAC in rushing yards and touchdowns this season.
Ford scored four touchdowns of at least 75 yards over his final 15 games at Cincinnati.
More:Jerome Ford no longer wants to be referred to as 'the Alabama transfer': 'I'm a Bearcat'
“I’m excited for Jerome and his family as they take this next step in his career,” Cincinnati coach Luke Fickell said. “I want to thank Jerome for all of his hard work and his commitment to doing things the right way for our program and the University of Cincinnati. He was a leader by example and embodied the ‘humble and hungry’ culture we have built here in Clifton.
"He kept defenses on their heels with his potential to score any time the ball touched his hands. I’m proud of what he accomplished on the field, but even more proud of the person he is off the field. He earned his degree and will always be a Bearcat. He was a joy to coach, and I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes in the NFL and in life.”
The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Ford had 1,802 yards and 27 touchdowns on 288 carries in his UC career. He added 29 receptions for 271 yards and another score.
Ford's 6.25 yards-per-carry average at Cincinnati is the highest in modern school history (since 1950).
Underclassmen have until Jan. 17 to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft (April 28-30), with a 72-hour period to reconsider after filing.
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