Bentonville sophomore quarterback Kasey Ford, who has a chance to be one of the more highly recruited in-state recruits in his class, had his first chance to check out Arkansas on Saturday.
Ford, 6-5, 237 pounds was named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Super Sophomore Team in January after leading the Tigers to the Class 7A state title.
He completed 107 of 185 passes for 1,846 yards, 22 touchdowns and had 4 rushing touchdowns.
“They run a tight ship down there,” said Ford of the Hogs. “I love the coaches, they're all good people and I like coach Coach (Jim) Chaney, he’s a good guy. Coach Barry Lunney Jr, of course I work with his dad. I already love Coach Lunney Sr.”
Ford is only the third sophomore since 1983 to win a state title in the state’s highest classification. He sees similarities between Bentonville offense and Arkansas’.
“I was watching film and they kind of run the same style offense,” Ford said. “I think I would fit in.I have to see what else comes and see where I fit in best.”
He liked what he saw of the Razorback offense during Saturday’s practice.
“They threw the ball a ton while I was there,” Ford said.
Ford, who didn’t throw an interception in the last nine games of the season while tossing 138 passes, has been invited to the Dallas Elite 11 Regional Quarterback Challenge May 4. He was impressed with Arkansas’ facilities.
“Their facilities are top-notch, they’re nice,” Ford said. “That’s for sure. The practice fields, those are really nice. They have a turf and grass practice field.”
Coach Bret Bielema and Chaney spoke well of Ford.
“They said they’ve seen plenty of film and heard plenty about me and they’re impressed,” Ford said. “They’re wanting to watch a few games and invite me to some games.”