Four-star EDGE KJ Ford signs with Florida Gators

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Perhaps the biggest win of the early signing period for Florida is retaining edge defender KJ Ford (Duncanville; Texas).

Ford signed with Florida on Wednesday just after 9 a.m. ET. His table and family were decked out in Gators gear despite increasing pressure from the Texas A&M Aggies over the past month. He visited Texas A&M at least three times this season.

The Gators landed him in July over Alabama, but coaching changes led to Ford keeping his options open. Billy Napier led the charge at Florida in this recruitment, making his firing even more significant. Ford posted a Gator emoji on social media after the school hired Jon Sumrall. Recruiting experts reported that the family was still weighing options as late as Tuesday night. Clemson, Oklahoma, Texas Tech and USC were also in pursuit earlier in his recruitment.

"I just love the overall feel for the program and the opportunity they have for me as a player coming in, Ford said to 247Sports when he committed. "The connection I have built with the staff has also been big."

Ford is a pure pass rusher with SEC size at 6-foot-3.5-inches and 245 pounds. He will likely add muscle once he starts working out with the Gators. He could play early in pass-rush situations, possibly at the JACK linebacker position.

Ford dropped heavily on the 247Sports composite ranking — from No. 101 to No. 198 — in November. He was inside the top 100 when he committed to Florida.

Player Profile

Player Notes

• Ranked as a 4-star according to Rivals and 17th in his position. Recorded as the 145th-ranked player nationally and 21st in the state of Texas.
• 2025 Under Armour All-America Game participant (2 tackles, 1 TFL).
• Played in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl. 
• Named to three First-Team All-District rosters to pair with two First-Team All-State nods. 
• Totaled 130 tackles, 42 TFLs, 14.5 sacks, 41 QB hurries, two forced fumbles, and one defensive score. 
• Led Duncanville to the Texas 6A D-I state championship in 2023. 
• Selected Florida over Alabama, Arizona State, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M, among others. 

Recruiting Summary

Gabe Brooks, 247Sports Scouting Analyst:

"Well-rounded, classic defensive end with sneaky size and requisite length. May most appropriately embody a traditional three-point, 4-3 end, primarily aligned as a 7-tech. That said, likely a potentially scheme-versatile edge who could also provide valuable snaps as a hybrid two-point, 3-4 rusher. Uses leverage and sudden point-of-attack strength to affect the run game. Still developing consistent bend-and-dip flexibility, but flashes arc-running ability as a rusher. Also shows some promising stack-and-shed power against larger foes. Under Armour Dallas Regional in Feb. 2025 reinforced belief in POA quickness and speed-to-power abilities that often knocked offensive linemen to their heels in 1-on-1 exposure. Projects to the high-major level as a potential multi-year starter with long-term pro upside."

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This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Florida football recruiting signs 4-star EDGE KJ Ford

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