During his senior season, Poona fielded offers from several of the nation's best football programs, including Ohio State, North Carolina State, Tennessee, Oregon, and Ole Miss. High School Football Poona Ford getting new two-year deal with Seattle Seahawks Staff Reports. He’s not just clogging space as a run stuffer now. Seahawks' Poona Ford: Matches 2018 tackle total by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire Ford generated three tackles -- 1.5 for a loss -- 0.5 sacks and a fumble … Accessing STAAR EOC scores online is easy! He’s happy or sad and you can’t even tell. “I asked him one simple question,” recalled Payne. Poona Ford is a 6-0, 275-pound Defensive Tackle from Hilton Head Island, SC. Most of them are attached to long resumes that list positions and extensive worldwide experiences. Poona Ford (97) speaks the media during Seattle Seahawks training camp in Renton, Wash. Monday, August 5, 2019. Playing both nose and 3-tech, Ford has the positional versatility Seattle values. Hilton Head Island native Poona Ford is living his NFL dream with Seattle. He’s going to give you everything that he has. Undrafted out of Texas, Poona Ford silenced critics, making the Seattle Seahawks 53-man roster out of training camp and the preseason. What fascinates me is that he’s … Welcome to Nation Ford High School! Final report cards and STAAR EOC score reports will be ready for pickup at FHS on Mon. ... — no defensive backs did more reps at the Combine this year — his speed was not since he was a track standout in high school … It’s hard for opposing linemen to get underneath him. “That’s him?” Payne remembers them saying. Hurtt added that he loves working with untraditional defensive tackles like Ford. He wants you to understand that at 5 feet and 11 inches and 285 pounds as a junior at South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island High School, Ford squatted 688 pounds and ran a 4.8-second 40-yard dash. “Your dreams need you to put in the work, so never give up on them,” he says. They were at Ford’s grandmother’s house, watching on the TV as one defensive tackle after another heard his name called — players they both felt he was better than. Check out some highlights from his career so far with the Seattle Seahawks. Poona Ford #97 of the Seattle Seahawks awaits the Seattle Seahawks snap during the game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. He says that Ray Lewis has “my generation’s passion for the game” and tries to model what Lewis brings to the game. “I know obviously Poona is 5-11, but they’re not they’re not the tallest guys but they got good length, they have great initial quickness, power, pad level. Shaquem Griffin hasn’t returned from a bruised knee yet. And even at his large size, Ford was playing middle linebacker before his junior year. He claims a 600 pound squat and a 34 inch vertical and you can see it in his highlights when he uncoils on someone. Poona Ford first step , dominates the TCU center, re-sets LOS, re-routes the RB. Senior Highlights of 2014 DT Poona Ford (Hilton Head HS/Hilton Head Island, SC). Nicknamed Poona by his grandmother, Cynthia Williams, who remembers that she nicknamed him Pooh Bear, because he was “always a fat baby.” As he aged, the shortened version, of Poona stuck with him. Powerball Results, Numbers for 4/24/21: Did Anyone Win the $116 Million? Shaquem is missing a hand. He admits that he doesn’t enjoy talking about himself, sometimes twisting his hair to show it, but after some prodding and persistence, eventually, he comes around. Payne saw the frustration in Ford mount from Day 2 to Day 3 of the draft; saw how he got up to go outside and go on a walk to clear his head. At first, I was overthinking the season, then the game. In the spring of his junior year, a 17-year-old Ford went to the Nike Football Training Camp (NFTC) in Orlando, Fla., an invite-only showcase for top-rated high school prospects. Four-star defensive tackle Poona Ford has made his college choice for the Longhorns, following Charlie Strong from Louisville, the school to which Ford was originally committed. Ford was initially committed to Louisville coming out of high school, before following head coach Charlie Strong to the University of Texas. “Warren Sapp, well, he’s just a freak show.” Asked if he could take anything from Sapp, he says it would be his strength. SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 02: Poona Ford #97 of the Seattle Seahawks awaits the Seattle Seahawks snap during the game at CenturyLink Field on December 02, 2019 in … Ultimately, Ford was short in high school, he was short at Texas and he’ll be short in the NFL. “He’s a 310-pound Bo Jackson,” said Payne in a phone interview with SeattlePI. His studying habits. Avril said “you don’t have any issues” working with Ford. He’s just beginning, but he sees his new NFL career “as a blessing. Even though he wasn’t included in the draft, his impressive skills spoke for themselves and he received offers from the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers as a free agent. Starting all 14 games for Seattle so far this season, Ford has 36 tackles, eight tackles for loss (T-6th in the NFL among interior defensive linemen entering Week 16), seven quarterback hits, two sacks and a forced fumble playing 58% of the defensive snaps. You don’t have to be the squeaky wheel making all the noise. He wants you to understand that at 5 feet and 11 inches and 285 pounds as a junior at South Carolina’s Hilton Head Island High School, Ford squatted 688 pounds and ran a … It is a tourist destination, reputed for its beaches, golf courses, and retirement communities. Video is courtesy of AthleteVault.com He’s one of those coaches’ dream players. I used to tell him as well, ‘Run stuffers are great. His effort. So it’s an important role, though not as glamorous as being an edge rusher or cornerback in the stat-padding department. But they didn't realize how short he was. Undrafted out of Texas in 2018, and overlooked throughout his career due to his size, Ford’s production has improved across the board every year with the Seahawks. “He wants to be an every-down (player),” said Seahawks legend Cliff Avril, who’s worked with Ford through his Sack360 pass-rush program, in a phone interview with SeattlePI. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. Poona has demonstrated that he is a consistently strong player who has continued to improve his stats year after year. All of the hundred-yard sprints in the world won’t change that. He’s going to do whatever it takes to help the team win.”. Eventually I slowed down, which made me more effective and productive.”. There were many people looking forward to seeing Ford, a four-star recruit, based on his film. “He didn’t want to be just the run stuffer. I’m fighting myself to get him more opportunities because he has really improved with his hands and having a rush plan and putting everything together.”. Former high school coach, Tim Singleton, remembers Poona as “a special kid with special talents. I’m still getting my feet wet and the game still isn’t second nature to me, but it will be soon. By the time he was 6 years old, Poona knew that as a Hilton Head Gator, he wanted to play football as a defensive tackle. While fellow recruit Poona Ford boasts similar multi-dimensional film, it's an exciting complement to his flawless DT play. Born into the cultural and generational legacy of Hilton Head’s Gullah community, he has deep family roots here. Hometown Hilton Head, S.C. School Hilton Head High School; Position Defensive Tackle; Status Signed Texas 02/05/2014 Scout Grade. Poona Ford is a 6-0, 275-pound Defensive Tackle from Hilton Head Island, SC. Ford thinks that Lawrence Taylor is the “greatest,” still has his rookie trading card and watches Taylor’s highlight films “all of the time.” If he could, he would take his pass rushing ability. Payne, who accompanied him on the trip, pulled up around the back with some Subway for lunch. This isn’t going to come easy either. When Ford went undrafted in 2018, despite being the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year as a senior at Texas, Payne was there for his former star player. 6-0, 285 | Class of 2014. You can also be the quiet, hard-working, well-mannered, disciplined person and player and still be successful.”. “And I don’t hesitate when I say that because he’s a 310-pound Bo Jackson.”. (Ford) has that.”. Through his demeanor, Ford can be unassuming. 1 of 3. But have you seen them play? In his first off season, Poona is already thinking about giving back and staying connected to the island by sharing his thoughts about how important your dreams are with the kids at the local Boys and Girls Club. Any not picked up will be mailed Thurs. Poona Ford (95) DL - A four-year defensive lineman who appeared in 46 career games with 30 starts ... HIGH SCHOOL Coached by B.J. The same athleticism Payne noticed in Ford as a high schooler all those years ago has propelled his emergence as an every-down player for the Seahawks this season. As the starting nose tackle, Ford’s primary responsibility is to cover up the center and to prevent him climbing up to the second level, keeping the middle linebacker (Wagner) clean to make tackles. As a school family we strive to find a place in which every student can get involved. Those guys, they’ve all been in that 6 foot 1 range,” said Hurtt. Recent News. Poona Ford rarely gives much away through casual conversation. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you might have regarding our school. Sometimes, the best stories are when you get to see how success unfolds from the beginning; when you can see its potential, as all of the elements that come with success form. Because you can trust him. We need those in the game, but the pass rushers get the money.’ I don’t know if he took heed to that or not, but he’s obviously taking his game to another level.”. Avril would tell him to flip his hips a little bit more on a pass-rush move, for example, and would rarely have to repeat the advice, if at all. Hilton Head Island is not exactly known for breeding success stories. Wright, Ford is arguably the unit’s most underrated player. If Ford made a mistake, he said what he did wrong out loud to himself. The 5-foot-11, 310-pound Ford can slide under the radar largely because of the position he plays in the Seahawks’ 4-3 defensive scheme. It’s in those times, when you can sit on the sideline and watch a bright and promising career in the making; of what it can and will be, from its inception. “He's one of the most athletic big guys I've seen in awhile.”, Like us on Facebook to see similar stories. … Kind of widespread body guys, but have great burst and explosion. BJ Payne knows it sounds crazy. “I think if you go through history, you look at the Cortez Kennedys, the Warren Sapps, the John Randalls of the world. ... Jamal Adams High School Highlights Chad Reuter Projects Every Seahawks Pick In 2021 NFL Draft So the media wanted to speak with him after the fact. But with his ability to knock back guards, the Seahawks have been playing him more this year at the three-technique defensive tackle spot – lined up on the outside shoulder of the guard, between the guard and the tackle – where he has more space to operate and beat single blocks to penetrate into the backfield. cha says: ... Poona was a high school Seahawk in Hilton Head, SC… Seattle is growing more confident playing him on passing downs, and it’s shown in his role pressuring quarterbacks. “He was easily the strongest and most explosive defensive lineman on hand, and it showed dominating every rep,” A 247sports story said of Ford’s performance at the event. “He’s quietly a really self-motivated person,” continued Norton. Seahawks' Poona Ford: Records 32 stops in 2019 01/15/2020 • by RotoWire Staff Seahawks' Poona Ford: Matches 2018 tackle total After fielding offers from several universities, he played for the University of Texas Longhorns. At first impression, Kaylon “Poona” Ford is a shy and unassuming person. Poona Ford. He embodies all of those to me. There’s no selfishness to him. That in the first day of contact practice his junior year, Ford on a speed-option play forced the pitch from the quarterback (a Division-I recruit, by the way) and tackled the running back (another D-I recruit) for a five-year loss — as the weakside defensive tackle. Poona Ford often reminds himself – and anyone else who is listening – that he has always been told he is too short to play defensive tackle. Poona Ford: Pos: DT, Career: 42 G, Seahawks 2018-2020, born SC 1995 I’m very proud to be associated with a small part of his success.”. Ford … Ford hopped in the car. “I always dreamed of playing in the NFL. His eight tackles for loss also equal his first and second seasons totals combined. The Seahawks have long pointed out how despite being a shorter NFL defensive tackle, Ford’s long arms, low center of gravity and power give him an advantage in the trenches. 6/13. Payne has also seen Ford throw a 50-yard spiral with either hand and drain 40 3-pointers in a row and casually blast home runs out of a ballpark, too. “His strength, with his hands and in the upper and lower body, combined with his quickness overwhelmed any offensive lineman he matched up with.”. Avril said in his Sack30 sessions over the offseason, Ford was always one of the first guys in line to get work in. LL. Hurtt has known Ford since he was a teenager. Ford has become a more complete interior defensive lineman as he’s set this offseason to hit restricted free agency, where he is likely to see a nice payday. Imma trust you until you show me that I can’t trust you.’” said Hurtt. Location: Ford High School, Show All Events. Amazing Device Lights Up Countertops And Fixes Dark Kitchens, © Icon Sportswire/Icon Sportswire Via Getty Images. Poona Ford, Bobby Wagner coming right at you in Seahawks daily bag drill, training camp day three. Poona Ford played some running back in high school and Pete Carroll won’t divulge if they’d use him on offense. We offer a myriad of student clubs and organizations, as well as a variety of athletic team opportunities. Show full articles without "Continue Reading" button for {0} hours. In a surging Seattle defense headlined by All Pros Bobby Wagner and Jamal Adams, and stabilized by Pro-Bowl free safety Quandre Diggs and veteran linebacker K.J. “He’s really improved as a pass rusher. Hurtt and Wagner said over the last few years, Ford’s pre-snap awareness has also improved in knowing when and how to cheat to get into the backfield and make plays. In his initial year in the NFL, he made the active roster and played 11 games. Hilton Head’s population has an incredible number of success stories to tell. But then Ford went 12-0 in one-on-ones. Playing sparingly as a rookie, Poona Ford quickly became a favorite of fans and of Pete Carroll, who expressed regret after 2018 for not getting him … 6/10. Seattle has realized, with his quickness and explosiveness, Ford can be more disruptive there. He noticed, too, how well Ford retained information. When Seattle contacted him for a top 30 visit, he decided to sign with the team in 2018. He recruited Ford when he was at the University of Louisville, where he served as the defensive line and associate head coach, on top of being the recruiting coordinator. Ford had absurd production in high school (70+ combined tackles for loss as a junior/senior), is extremely quick, can run (sub 4.9 40 at 280 pounds), and is as football field strong as he is in the weight room. When asked what he would say today to a 6 year old Poona, he said, “have fun playing [football] and keep on going.” That’s great advice and from what we’ve seen so far, he is going to do just that. “He’s beat up and hurt and you don’t even know it. Story by Luana M. Graves Sellars & Photography by Mike Ritterbeck. As much as the Seahawks value Ford for his play, they also rave about his persona. The 2014 graduate of Hilton Head High School set several school records and was named the All-Area Defensive Player of the Year. Turnover Thursday - Poona Ford Fumble Recovery vs. San Francisco 49ers. At 5’ 11” he’s considered short for a defensive tackle, but a player with “impressive instincts.”. Is the high school coach more interested in making a statement (or motivating an athlete bored by interior DT play) than developing Nelson at his future position? Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford signed a multi-year contract with Seattle during 2021 Free Agency. Poona’s too short. “I'm not shocked (by him). “I'm not surprised at what he's able to do other than the fact that he just didn't get drafted doing it,” said Avril. Just like that all-star event all those years ago. After majoring in Youth & Community Studies, his collegiate career on the field showed that he’s an impressive run defender, ending his senior year with several awards and recognitions, including the 2017 Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year. “He’s one of those guys that if you take him to the alley with you, he’s going to be right there loyal with you the whole time,” said Norton earlier this month. Surrounded by a big family and an island that has watched him grow as a player, Poona is grounded in strong family values and character. He played fullback throughout high school. You’re just going to have to go prove to people again.’”. “He certainly is an example that you don’t have to make all the noise. Poona Ford’s High School Experience: Community, Commitment, and a Coach of Legends Doing the Math. Final Report Cards and STAAR EOC Score Reports. 210911 (Erika Schultz / The Seattle Times) By Bob Condotta During one rep, he lifted a top-ranked guard by the armpit and threw him back several yards. Former high school coach, Tim Singleton, remembers Poona as “a special kid with special talents. Self-described as “pretty smart” and with a lot of “strength,” Poona says it’s important to “always study the opponent and stay one step ahead.”, Last season was just the beginning for Poona, who finished the regular season with a grade of 90.3, which is high compared to other defensive tackles. Media in category "Poona Ford" The following 3 files are in this category, out of 3 total. It's awesome to see. Ford is committed to Louisville. I’ve been playing a long time and it’s still fun. Through 14 games this year, Ford’s seven quarterback hits are more than his first two seasons combined (six). So in Payne’s eyes, Ford has shown such pure, natural ability that he can’t help but compare him to one of the best athletes of all time. What fascinates me is that he’s a gentle giant.” On the field, “he’s the perfect quiet storm. Hurtt said Ford is very similar now to how he was as a teenager: he doesn't say a whole lot, but “works his butt off.”, “It’s like, ‘Poona, go run through that brick wall.’ He might look at you and he’s like, ‘Alright, coach. DT Poona Ford impresses with testing at Texas Pro Day. “That’s his work ethic and the kind of pride he has as a player. The soft-spoken Ford — the only defensive starter who’s yet to speak with Seahawks media this season — “never gets tired,” according to defensive coordinator Ken Norton. When asked what pro players Poona looks up to, and what he aspires to achieve from their playing, he says that there are three defensive tackles with different skills that he respects: NY Giants Lawrence Taylor, Oakland Raiders Warren Sapp and Baltimore Ravens Ray Lewis. The 2014 graduate of Hilton Head High School set several school records and was named the All-Area Defensive Player of the Year. Ford slipped away, though (he’s “never been” a media guy, Payne said). He can wreak havoc, but you won’t know that he’s coming. ... Poona has found a way past what some would call deficiencies and done what he’s had to to produce at a high level. I just didn’t know for who,” he said. But after thinking back on what he saw on a regular basis from Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Poona Ford, his former player, how can he not come to that conclusion? “I think we’re almost doing him a disservice if we don’t get him in at three technique a little bit more because of his ability to move,” said Seahawks defensive line coach Clint Hurtt. “He’s a smart player,” he says. Connect with friends faster than ever with the new Facebook app. Even though he didn’t play every game, he realized that “he had to stay focused until it was his turn to play.” When it was time for his first game against Chicago, he said, “I wasn’t nervous, because I was ready to play. — Poona Ford (@PoonaF_95) March 15, 2021 Now Ford and fellow tackle Jarran Reed (28, signed through 2021) are the mainstays in the middle of … He’s A1 all day long. He’s up to two sacks and counting in 2020, too, up from 0.5 last year. 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