Redshirt Sophomore Running Back Johnny Ford No Longer With USF Football

What seemed inevitable has come to pass. South Florida Bulls head coach Jeff Scott announced today that redshirt sophomore running back Johnny Ford is no longer on the football team.

The Daily Stampede was told it was Ford’s decision to transfer, and he was not kicked off the team. Ford will have three years of eligibility left.

The news comes a day after Ford tweeted (then deleted) multiple tweets describing a disconnect between himself and the coaching staff.

“I’m the only kid on the team [that] gets punished for doing nothing, and I’m tired of keeping my mouth quite [sic] today the day!!!,” one tweet said.

He followed that up with “I[‘ve] been taking that shit all year enough is enough.”

It’s the first time Ford has expressed his displeasure publicly about the new staff. The Miami native had issues with the previous staff, getting suspended three times in two years due to various reasons.

Ford had been held out of games due to contact tracing since prior to the Memphis game. He totaled 285 yards rushing on 55 carries and three touchdowns in 2020. He also added 15 receptions for 125 yards, and a score.

Ford will finish his career at USF with 189 carries for 1,175 yards, 13 touchdowns, and averaged 6.2 yards per carry. He caught 31 passes for 352 yards, and four touchdowns.

It will never be said Ford wasn’t as exciting off the field as he was on the field. After the Central Florida game in 2018, Ford voiced frustrations about the team that many fans, and staff knew to be right regarding former head coach Charlie Strong. Ford did not talk to the media during the entire 2019 season as a result.

With the emergence of freshman running back Brian Battie over the last few weeks, it may soften the blow from losing Ford.

Good luck Johnny!