One of the more dynamic playmakers in the state, Christopher Ford Christopher Ford 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Sioux City East | 2027 State IA would be an almost perfect player to receive the Cooper DeJean trophy. A returner who took back not just one, but two kickoffs back for touchdowns, while adding two interceptions plus 99 yards receiving and a score through the air in ONE game, Ford is as elusive as they come. One of the players in the state that can make just about anybody miss, Ford is a threat to score every time he touches the rock in all three phases of the game.

Last season, he finished the year with 39 catches for 661 yards and four touchdowns through the air, 47.5 tackles, those two picks and a forced fumble defensively. After the two returns for scores, he didn’t get near as many opportunities on special teams, but he finished the year with eight kick returns for 387 yards and three scores, plus nine punt returns for 228 yards and two touchdowns.

One of the more versatile athletes in the state, Chris Ford may not be the headlining, top of the scouting report player for Sioux City East, but he’ll impact the game one way or another for the Black Knights.

On offense, Ford has posted 30 receptions for 501 yards and three scores, and it’s honestly a bit of a surprise he hasn’t been used more in the run-game as a creative, gadget guy. Defensively, his 41 tackles, fumble recover and two interceptions make him a critical piece of East’s defensive efforts.

All of that is enough to earn recognition, but Ford really separates himself in the return game. On kickoffs, Ford has taken back seven returns for 360 yards (51.4 yards per return) and three scores, while returning nine punts for 228 yards and two scores. Clearly, opposing teams have learned to boot it away from the elite returnman.

One of the most versatile athletes in the state, Christopher Ford Christopher Ford 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Sioux City East | 2027 State IA may have been a better fit in the Two-Way Wonder category, but his special teams efforts have stuck out so much, he lands here with explosive returners.

So far this season, Ford has returned two of three kickoffs for touchdowns, averaging 72 yards per return, making it inexcusable for opposing kickers to continue to put the ball in his hands.

That’s not the only thing he does on special teams, though. Holding down punting duties for the Black Knights, Ford has punted 16 balls away with an average of 32.2 yards per boot. On offense, he’s caught 16 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown, and on defense, he’s put together 22 tackles and an interception already this season.

If there’s one thing to know about the junior athlete, it’s that he’s going to find a way to impact the game, one way or another.

(@CFORD_9)

The Sioux City East secondary should be in good shape with lockdown CB Chris Ford back in the fold. Ford showed flashes of his upside as a freshman and grew on that as a sophomore with 31 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, five interceptions (one TD), and two forced fumbles. When watching Chris’ tape, the biggest takeaway is his ball-hawking ability and elite ball skills. Ford is disciplined with his eyes as he tracks the receiver’s hips and can time his hands well to break up passes (7 PBUs). He has an aggressive mindset when attacking the ball and possesses great instincts when undercutting routes to be in the prime spot for a pick. Chris does well in all coverage assignments and looks especially comfortable out on an island by himself. He is very fluid with his hips and can smoothly change direction and stick with a receiver through their breaks. College coaches should buy stock immediately!

The Sioux City East Black Raiders loom large as a dark horse in the Class 5A race. They feature a good mix of experienced players and some great up-and-coming underclassmen, including sophomore CB Chris Ford. Chris found his way onto the field early as a freshman and ended his season with 46 tackles, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Ford displays a physical play style with no hesitation to jam up receivers at the line and can fight off perimeter blocks to help out against the run. Quick, clean footwork through his backpedal with fluid hips that allow him to turn and change direction on a dime. Wouldn’t be surprised to start seeing more attention coming his way as he continues to fill out his frame. One to keep an eye on this fall!