The transfer portal was kind to the [autotag]Oklahoma Sooners[/autotag] in 2023. One of the players the Sooners brought in was former Oklahoma State Cowboys defensive end [autotag]Trace Ford[/autotag].
Not too many times do you see someone transfer to their rival, but that’s exactly what Ford did. He, of course, received backlash from the Cowboy faithful for this decision, but it’s one he’s embraced along the way, telling reporters, “I’ve enjoyed every step of it.”
Ford has a ton of potential, but injuries slowed his progress after a strong start to his career.
His first two seasons in Stillwater were stellar. He had 51 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks and one interception. He played in 21 games in that span but has only appeared in nine in the last two seasons.
Ford told reporters on Monday he feels the injuries have made him who he is today. “It was a mental rollercoaster, not physical, and I had to learn to just get over it,” Ford said. “Just being here it’s a new change of scenery and being able to let go of the past. (I’m) able to just get better at the game, to practice better and forget all about the injuries.”
Ford is someone who could make an immediate impact. He’s someone several insiders heard rave reviews from after the Sooners’ first scrimmage on Saturday. But he has to stay healthy.
As for his position group, Ford said he feels the defensive line is shaping up well as we are weeks away from the start of the season. “I think it’s the most competitive room on the team and on the defense,” Ford said. “I think every day is changing. Every day, we are competing to see where we are at, as far as competing, we are already getting better.”
That’s something all Sooner fans want to hear. It wasn’t but just a year ago where that was one of the weak points of the team. To hear it has “competitive depth” as the coaches call it, should make for a good season in Norman.
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