Auburn Football: Defensive Depth Chart Projections – Safety

Johnathan “Rudy” Ford

The Auburn defense struggled mightily in 2014 – especially in the second half of the season. However, there were some very pleasant surprises. Johnathan Ford ranks among the best.

No one expected Ford to beat out junior college transfer Derrick Moncrief for the starting spot at boundary safety last season, much less go on to become the team’s leading tackler. However, Ford did exactly that.

A converted running back, Ford took advantage of an injury to Moncrief in fall camp and seized the top spot on the depth chart for the season opener against Arkansas. He never relinquished it and started all 13 games for the Tigers.

The 6-foot, 199-pound rising junior went on to amass 93 total tackles, including 62 unassisted stops, with 2.5 tackles for a loss, half a sack, a forced fumble and three interceptions.

One of the fastest players on the roster, Ford closes on receivers and ball carriers with great quickness. And he can provide big hits too.

“He’s fast. Everybody knows that,” cornerback Jonathan Jones said during the season. “He flies to the football. If you didn’t know, by some of his hits you’d think he’s always played defense.”

Because of his speed, Ford may actually be a candidate to transition to cornerback under new defensive coordinator Will Muschamp. But, he’s now comfortable at safety and will likely get the first crack to retain his starting spot there in 2015.

Next: Joshua Holsey and Derrick Moncrief