Carl Ford opened the eyes of 15 NFL scouts in early March when he ran a sizzling 4.34 40-yard dash at the University of Toledo.
The very next week the former Rockets receiver clocked a 4.44, then followed that up with a 4.46.
Ford's speed didn't go unnoticed.
“After I ran that first 40 time, I think it strengthened my position considerably,” he said yesterday. “Now there are three teams - the Lions, Dolphins and Packers - that are talking about possibly drafting me late, either in the sixth or seventh round.
“I'm like, `What's this all about?' I didn't expect this kind of treatment. I was just hoping to get a chance to make it as a free agent.”
NFL teams are finalizing their plans for the April 26-27 draft of college players. In the past three weeks the Dolphins have worked Ford out in Miami and the Packers have worked him out in Green Bay. Ford did not attend the NFL workout combine in Indianapolis.
“I'm just happy that teams are showing an interest in me and flying me there to meet with them,” Ford said. “Right now they're looking at me as a slot receiver, an inside guy, as well as a punt returner, kick returner and special-teams player.
“It doesn't matter to me - I'll do anything they want me to do.”
The 6-1, 170-pound Ford enjoyed a solid senior season at Toledo, leading the team in catches (79) and receiving yardage (1,062), and averaged 13.8 yards per reception.
The Monroe native was tabbed a second-team All-Mid-American Conference pick after becoming the first receiver in school history to go over 1,000 yards receiving in a season. His 79 catches broke UT's single-season record of 77 set by John Ross in 1974, and Ford tied Don Seymour's school mark for touchdown receptions in a season with nine.
Ford snagged a career-high 10 passes against Boston College in the Motor City Bowl in December, and had a career-high 124 yards receiving against Northern Illinois.
His 17 career touchdown catches in 46 games tie him with Seymour for second place on UT's all-time list, behind Mel Long Jr.'s 21. He ranks second in receiving yardage (1,966) and third in receptions (149).
“My hands have always been one of my strengths,” Ford said. “And now I think I'm showing NFL scouts I can run with the ball after I catch it.”
Ford said he and former UT linebacker David Gardner spent the entire month of February working with personal trainer Shane Smith in Indianapolis.
“We worked out every day of the week. It was almost like two-a-day practices. We'd do a workout in the morning and another at night. We worked a lot on running 40-yard dashes, and we worked a lot on balance and flexibility.
“It definitely helped me a lot.”
Ford said he's trying not to focus too much on next weekend's draft.
“I think my family might be more excited about it right now than I am. I have an aunt who always tells me, `Just enjoy the moment,' and that's what I'm trying to do. I'm just sitting back and taking things as they come. I'm trying not to think about it too much.
“If I get drafted, great. If I don't, that's OK too. I'll just sign as a free agent and go into an NFL camp and take someone's job.
“All I want is an opportunity.”
First Published April 18, 2003, 12:30 p.m.
