Ford could see more offers
CARSON, Calif. - Gardena (Calif.) Serra was loaded with outstanding talent in its 2011 recruiting class with George Farmer, Marqise Lee, Jason Gibson, Conner Preston and others.
Next in line is cornerback Raymond Ford, a 2012 standout who already has an Arizona State offer and could pick up many more by the time his senior season starts.
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Ford, a 5-foot-10, 171-pound prospect, showed up late to Saturday's Elijah Asante Elite Quarterback Camp but proved often that he's an outstanding cornerback with great ball skills and great timing.
Arizona State was the first to offer Ford, who said he has lots of interest in the Sun Devils, likes the coaching staff in Tempe and that it definitely means something to him that they offered first. No visit is scheduled but Ford said he'd like to get out to Arizona State at some point soon.
"They're a good program," Ford said. "I know if I work hard I can go out there and play early. I really like their style and their defensive backs coach. I'd love to play there.
"That really does matter that they offered first. Once I see my choices, they'll be one of my top ones because they offered me early so that meant a lot. Marqise and George said I should take my visits and look at my options and then I'll see the right choice."
Arizona, USC, Oregon, Oregon State and Miami are showing interest in Ford, who's expected to attend Southern Cal's junior day this weekend.
The Trojans would be the prohibitive favorite if they offered mainly because it's close to home, the tradition is outstanding and Farmer and Lee signed with them.
Ford said if he wants to stay close to home and USC offered then that would work out well. But the standout cornerback might want to leave the state and he said Miami and schools in Arizona continue to interest him.
"I don't know for sure yet," Ford said. "If I want to stay out here, (USC) would be my choice.
"If I want to leave, I could see one of the Arizona schools or something like that. And I feel like I fit (at Miami) after I look at all their players and how they play. That's how I play, too."