Auburn Football: Why Rudy Ford Should Move to Cornerback

Cornerback is one of the biggest question marks on the entire Auburn football roster, which is why rising junior safety Rudy Ford should change positions.

If you’re a regular Fly War Eagle reader, you’ve probably noticed that I’ve been thinking – and writing – a lot about the Auburn secondary recently. In the last three days alone, I’ve discussed the pre-spring practice depth charts for cornerback and safety, and took a brief look at the importance of cover corners in Will Muschamp’s defense.

Sep 6, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers defensive back Johnathan Ford (23) celebrates his fumble recovery with defensive back Joshua Holsey (15) during the second quarter against the San Jose State Spartans at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports

It’s occurred to me that cornerback is one of the biggest question marks not only for the Tigers on defense but on the entire Auburn football roster. Finding the right rotation of corners will be a key component to Muschamp and defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson turning around a unit that allowed 230.1 passing yards per game in 2014, which made them the SEC’s second worst pass defense.

While second team All-SEC cornerback Jonathan Jones is a lock to handle one of the starting spots, it’s much more difficult to figure out the rest of the rotation.

Joshua Holsey played safety in 2014, but has played corner in the past. T.J. Davis worked himself into the rotation last season as the fourth cornerback. Redshirt freshman Kalvaraz Bessent and rising sophomore Nick Ruffin were highly recruited members of the 2014 recruiting class, and 2015 four-star signee Carlton Davis will be in the mix this fall.

UPDATE: Bessent Has Left the Auburn Football Program

All would be decent options, but none will strike fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks, wide receivers and offensive coordinators.

On the other hand, safety is one of the deepest positions entering 2015. Johnathan “Rudy” Ford wasn’t perfect, but he played surprisingly well in 2014 after converting from running back.

The recipe for success is to play the best defensive backs first, then figure out the positions in which they fit best. In my opinion, that means moving Rudy Ford to cornerback.

Ford started all 13 games for the Tigers last year and led the team with 92 tackles. He also picked off three passes. Because of his success, a starting safety spot appears to be Ford’s to lose.

Of course, Holsey started seven games at safety and Derrick Moncrief was the nation’s top junior college safety in the 2014 recruiting class.

Plus, Tray Matthews joined the Auburn football team as a transfer from Georgia where he started six games as a true freshman free safety in 2013. From a pure talent standpoint, Matthews is probably the best of the bunch and will force his way into the lineup.

So how will Muschamp and T-Rob solve the problem of not enough corners and too many safeties? The recipe for success is to play the best defensive backs first, then figure out the positions in which they fit best. In my opinion, that means moving Rudy Ford to cornerback.

The rising junior practiced at corner after first moving to defense, but it wasn’t long before he found a home at safety. However, Ford is one the fastest players on the Auburn football roster, and speed is a key ingredient of success for cover corners in the SEC. He’s also proven to be one of the best tacklers in the secondary, which is key because corners are asked to tackle in space more often than not.

A 6-foot, 199-pound native of Big Cove, Alabama, Ford has already shown he can handle changing positions and he won’t back down from a challenge – after all, no one expected him to beat out Moncrief for the starting spot at boundary safety entering the 2014 season.

Most importantly, moving Ford to corner gives the Tigers the most talented mix of defensive backs. With Jones and Ford starting at corner, the Tigers have two defensive playmakers capable of covering receivers one-on-one and forcing turnovers. That also frees up Matthews and Moncrief to start at safety with Holsey playing often as the nickel back.

Muschamp and T-Rob are sure to try many combinations in the secondary during spring practice and fall camp, but don’t be surprised if Rudy Ford emerges as the best option to start at cornerback for the Tigers in 2015.

Next: 2015 Auburn Football Recruiting Class Player Profiles

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