Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1541990
J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6 5 5 W W W . B L U E W H I T E O N L I N E . C O M played in some really big games. But even besides that, it's about develop- ment for me. I feel like most people want to go to the next level. They want to go to the NFL, and they choose a school because of what it can do for them and their future. "Coach Franklin always said this is a 40-year decision, not a four-year deci- sion, and so that's why, even now, I'm still committed to Penn State fully." During his senior season, Ford totaled 31 tackles, 6 stops for loss and 3 sacks. Malvern Prep head coach Dave Gueriera said his athleticism and coachability are among the keys to his success. "Jackson is always chasing plays down," Gueriera said. "He almost runs as much as our receivers because he makes so many plays coming down the line of scrimmage. His motor is relent- less. I think as he's able to add more strength, especially in a college program like Penn State, that's exciting. The po- tential is incredible. "He's also done a great job learning all the nuances of the position, like staying home. We get a ton of run-read stuff, and he's done a really good job of learn- ing how to read those plays." Ford is listed in the Rivals Industry Ranking as the nation's No. 222 overall prospect and No. 25 defensive end, as well as the No. 8 player in Pennsylvania. Rivals' scouts have him slightly higher, listing him No. 209 nationally, No. 25 at his po- sition and No. 5 in the Keystone State for the 2026 class. He's a teammate of two players Penn State's next staff will likely recruit in the years to come: 2027 wide receiver Cade Cooper and 2028 defensive end George Parkinson. Both players hold four-star ratings from Rivals. Gueriera said Ford was intrigued by the opportunity to play for Pennsyl- vania's premier football program and wasn't dissuaded by the uncertainty around its coaching situation. "I think when this decision was first made, it was obviously under a different coaching staff," he said. "But even when it was first made, there was a connec- tion to the school. Jackson loves the idea of being a Pennsylvania athlete, staying in state and playing for the flagship uni- versity. He felt a real connection with the school. Every time he would go to a game, it would only enhance that feeling. He saw himself on that field, being cheered on by 107,000 people." With only two signees, Penn State's class is not listed in the Rivals Industry Team Ranking. The Nittany Lions could still add to their class during the tradi- tional signing day on Feb. 4. ■ "One season doesn't really define a program. Up to this moment, there's been a lot of success. They've played in some really big games. But even besides that, it's about development for me." J A C K S O N F O R D Four-star defensive end Jackson Ford of Malvern Prep in Phoenixville had been committed to Penn State since June and opted to stick with his pledge even with the team still seeking a permanent head coach. PHOTO BY RYAN SNYDER