Marques Ford
Defensive End
Bethune-Cookman

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Marques Ford:  At CGS, they measured me at 6’2 1/2 and my weight was 248.    

Alex Khvatov:  Describe your overall experience at the CGS all-star game in Texas. 

Marques Ford:  It was great.  I got exposure.  There were 31 teams there.  It was a great time and good competition.  I balled out and talked to a few of scouts.      

Alex Khvatov:  Where are you currently training for the NFL Draft?

Marques Ford:  Cooper Performance Training in Tampa. 

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Marques Ford:  I had 40 offers out of high school.  I decommitted from Tennessee and chose Rutgers. 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose Rutgers?

Marques Ford:  I went to Rutgers because I believed in the coaches.  I knew that they could get me ready for the next level.  It was a great school and great facilities.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Bethune-Cookman?    

Marques Ford:  I transferred to Jones County Junior College in Mississippi because I got into some trouble at Rutgers.  I left myself.  I loved the head coach at Jones County.  Bethune-Cookman recruited me.  It was two hours from home, and my mom and family could come see me play.  They developed me pretty well.      

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your overall career at Bethune-Cookman.

Marques Ford:  It was great.  I started a few games the first year.  I had 18.5 sacks and 28 TFL’s over my career.  I have been a starter the last two years.  They developed me as a person and as a player.  They were in a slump before I got there.  It has been a steady climb up.  We have been 7-3 every single year.  We were second in the conference every single year.  I accomplished what I wanted.  I helped make the program successful, and we achieved that.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Marques Ford:  I was an All-American my junior year.  I made first team All-MEAC the last two years.  I played in the Florida Classic, which is the biggest HBCU bowl game.  We play Florida A&M, and we have won the last nine years against them.  We had 65,000 people there.  We ended up with an INT against Florida A&M the last three years.  I was rushing the passer on all of those plays that turned into picks each time, and we won the game.    

Alex Khvatov:  What was the biggest thing that you took away from your coaching staff? 

Marques Ford:  They harped on not getting beat down.  Get up and get better.  Don’t harp on anything.  Do not get into a slump.  Before every season, we train on the beach.  We run on the beach, then go to the weight room and the field.  They always preached not to quit and keep on pushing.        

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a DL?

Marques Ford:  Ability to create a new line of scrimmage and control the OL.  Make sure the OL will react to you.  I like to stress out their QB and their scheme.    Creating havoc in the backfield.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Marques Ford:  The Ravens.  They have always been a team that I look to.     

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Marques Ford:  Von Miller and Khalil Mack. 

Alex Khvatov:  How would you describe your former teammate WR/RB/returner Jimmie Robinson? 

Marques Ford:  He is a great guy.  He is explosive.  He should be playing at the next level.  You are not catching him once he gets past you.     

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for next season?

Marques Ford:  DT Uriah Gilbert, DT Gerome Howard and DE Tony Bowman. 

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the toughest player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Marques Ford:  He played RT for South Carolina State (#73 Alex Taylor).  He was a tall guy. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Marques Ford:  Honestly, stressing the offense out.  I like to get in the way. 

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Marques Ford:  I love fitness in general and fishing.   

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Marques Ford:  Start my own gym.

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Marques Ford:  Relentless, determined, energetic, explosive and proactive.