When a team loses influential players like DE Colin Simmons and DT Alex January, they often face an adjustment period.
For Duncanville, however, this transition coincided with the emergence of a new leader in the defensive line—2026 DE KJ Ford (6’3, 225).
Already with over 20 scholarship offers under his belt, Ford is quickly becoming one of the state’s most sought-after recruits and is considered one of the team’s leading defensive players.
“Everyone has to come together and be a team,” Ford emphasized. “I’ve been working on my pass rush and I just know the game better – my football IQ.”
Ford had his breakout year in 2023, helping lead the Panthers to the 6A Division I state title.
“It was a learning process, learning things from the other players to get better myself,” he said. “Last year was a good year; just going out there and showing my talents.”
Ford is eyeing offers from prestigious programs like Oregon, Ohio State and Georgia, but his recruitment has already been marked by major milestones and substantial offers, including his first offer from Arizona State and a recent one from Florida.
For Ford, who comes from Chicago, an offer from Illinois also has special meaning.
When asked which programs were fighting the hardest for him, Ford named Texas A&M, Texas, Florida and Miami (FL).
His thoughts on the state’s two top teams – Texas and Texas A&M – provide insight into the factors that could influence his final decision.
“Texas, I like the family aspect,” Ford noted. “Every school probably has a family aspect, so I’m really just concerned about my potential development there and seeing the development of my teammates. That will help me make my decision.”
At Texas A&M, Ford was impressed by the influence of defensive coordinator Mike Elko. “He’s a defensive-minded coach. He’s going to help me get better and put me in a position to be successful on the field and showcase my talent.”
Ford is rated as a four-star candidate by the DCTF and is on the five-star watch list.
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