Ford pumped after more thorough look at Fayetteville

Junior DE Trace Ford.

— Edmond, Okla., Santa Fe defensive end Trace Ford has never tried to hide his love for Arkansas, so it was not much of a surprise that he showed up in Fayetteville this weekend.

Ford (6-3, 220), also a baseball standout, had an open weekend off the diamond and made his way to participate in the Razorbacks’ night camp on Saturday.

"I got here at around 2 or 3 p.m. and we toured around to get a better feel for the school,” Ford said. “That's why I came. It was like a freeze-out (on Feb. 24) when I came the first time, so I wanted to get around to the facility and the business center and all. It was amazing. I liked it a lot."

Ford has over 20 offers from Arkansas, Oregon, Florida State, Oklahoma State, Arizona State, Washington State, California, Missouri, Vanderbilt, Iowa State, Memphis, Arkansas State, SMU, Tulsa, Eastern Michigan and others. He also has the opportunity to play at Ivy League schools Princeton and Cornell.

"It's definitely in my top five. That's why I got out here,” Ford said of Arkansas. “I just wanted to see it more. The baseball and all takes up time, so I wanted to get out and see more. That's why I wanted to come here and see what it's about.”

Ford, who had 40 tackles with seven stops for lost yardage, one sack, five forced fumbles, five pass break-ups and an interception while playing nose guard, said he is not ready to release that top five just yet.

But he has previously mentioned Arkansas, Florida State, Oregon, Cal and Oklahoma State, who has also offered him the opportunity to walk-on with the baseball team.

"I know the schools I like and the schools I don't like. Arkansas is definitely up there."

Ford got the chance to work with Arkansas defensive line coach Steve Caldwell and visit with head coach Chad Morris.

"I like them a lot,” Ford said. “I like Coach Caldwell. He's kind of quirky. He tries to show you how to do things and interacts with you, so I like that a lot."

Ford wants to take an official to Arkansas, but his summer baseball schedule will likely ensure that it's a fall visit.

"Yes, I want to do an official here,” Ford said. “They had some this past weekend. Those are for the players that are thinking about (deciding) soon. I haven't made my mind up, so they said we're going to do one in the fall. I want that. This is definitely one of the schools I want to do an official with."

Ford made a trio of visits this week.

"I went to Oklahoma State and Oklahoma this week,” Ford said. “I might go to Baylor next weekend, but that's all right now."