Four-star running back had ‘great experience,’ remains committed elsewhere

AUBURN — Four-star running back recruit Johnathan Ford (New Hope, Ala.) visited Auburn Sunday and came away impressed.

“My visit went good,” said Ford, a Vanderbilt commit since April. “It was a great experience meeting Gus Malzahn and the staff. Met the players, hung out with Tre Mason, Quan Bray, all them guys and it felt real good.”

Ford ran for 1,669 yards and 27 touchdowns in eight games last season and was named Class 3A first-team all-state. The 5-10 190-pound tailback is rated the No. 15 running back in the nation by Rivals and No. 17 by 247Sports.

He spoke with Malzahn and offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and said the meeting went “great.”

“They talked about how they see me in the offense,” Ford said. “They just laid everything out there for me and it was a great experience.”

Asked where Auburn stands in his recruitment, Ford said “Auburn’s real good” but he remains committed to Vanderbilt.

“I’m going to talk to my family about this whole thing on the ride back home,” he said.