The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Ford selected to play in 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl
01.18.2018 | Football
The Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year will play in both the Shrine Game and Senior Bowl.
MOBILE, Alabama – Following a standout career at The University of Texas, defensive tackle Poona Ford will play in the 2018 Senior Bowl, announced on Thursday afternoon. Ford is the first Longhorn since 2015 to play in the prestigious postseason all-star game, when Quandre Diggs (Detroit Lions) and Jordan Hicks (Philadelphia Eagles) did so. Ford will be the 67th Longhorn all-time to play in the game.
"I'm really excited and honored to accept this invitation to play in the Senior Bowl," Ford said after learning of his selection. "Right now I am focused on Saturday's Shrine Game and playing hard in that before heading to Mobile for the Senior Bowl next week. I'm thankful to be selected for both games and to have the opportunities to showcase my skills and prove why I am worthy of a draft pick."
Ford played in 46 career games, making 30 starts as a Longhorn. He totaled 136 tackles in his career (88 solo) with 20.5 tackles for loss. He forced three fumbles, recovered two and also blocked three kicks in his career. Ford was tabbed the 2017 Big 12 Conference Defensive Lineman of the Year and was also a member of the first team All-Big 12 this season.
As a team captain for the Longhorns, who defeated Missouri in the Texas Bowl to end the 2017 season, Ford started all 13 games. He finished with 34 tackles, eight for loss, 1.5 sacks and one pass breakup, QB hurry, forced fumble and blocked field goal. Ford led the Longhorns' strong defensive turnaround, as Texas finished eighth nationally in rushing defense allowing just 106.8 yards per game on the ground. The Longhorns finished third in third-down defense and seventh in fourth-down defense. UT's seven defensive TDs led the nation.
The 2018 edition of the Reese's Senior Bowl will take place on Saturday, Jan. 27, with kickoff set for 1:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on NFL Network from Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
Ford will also play in the East-West Shrine game this Saturday at 2 p.m. CT inside Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. The game will be televised on NFL Network.
