Ford names leader, considers visits

Dalton Ford is familiar with the recruiting process. He knows things could change and new offer may arrive during his senior season. He makes sure to point all of that out. After he does so, though, he names the current favorite to land his commitment.

Subject to change? Sure. But Arkansas State has certainly made deep inroads with the Missouri-based offensive lineman.

"Right now, honestly, Arkansas State is my leader," Ford said on Monday. "That coaching staff is so nice. Coach [Dan] Dodd called me last night and I ended up talking to him, the head coach, the recruiting coordinator and the O-line coach."

A 6-foot-4 tackle at Missouri's Webb City High School, Ford lists five scholarship offers for the time being. And while he's waiting for more options to materialize, he's also inching forward with the ones he has. The 195-pound lineman is firmly in planning mode.

"I'm finding out where I want to make my visits to right now," Ford said. "I'm getting ready to sit down and set up visits. I for sure want to get to Arkansas State. I talk to Coach Dodd coaches almost every day. Today, every coach from Florida Atlantic sent me a hand-written letter. That was pretty crazy.

As for schools that could make a late splash in Ford's recruitment, certain power-conference programs are keeping a foot in his recruiting water. Nothing on that front seems certain for the time being, but Ford is hoping that changes soon.

Ford plans to wait until after the season to make a decision because he believes other offers could present themselves as his senior season progresses.

"I'm still talking to Missouri, but not very much," he said. "I talk to Kansas State every once in a while. They might be coming to one of my games pretty soon. If they come to a game and like it, hopefully they offer. I don't know, though."