2016 QB Kasey Ford gaining momentum

Quarterback Kasey Ford led the Bentonville (Ark.) Tigers to a Class 7A state championship as only a sophomore, and he's seen his recruitment start to pick up ever since his first offer came through late last month.

Bobby Petrino's Louisville program was the first to jump on board with an offer, and the 6-5, 235-pounder is also receiving considerable interest from the likes of Alabama, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Auburn, Kansas State, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas.

Ford's process has only just begun, but he already considers it a dream come true that teams are giving him a look.

"I've always dreamed about playing college football, or even college baseball for that matter, and now it's becoming a reality for me," Ford said. "It's huge, I never had any idea I might be able to do this. I thought I'd be a doctor someday. I'm just super blessed. I've stayed healthy and I couldn't ask for better support from my parents and my brother. It's like a dream come true."

As a sophomore in 2013, Ford hit 107 of 185 passing attempts for 1,846 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also rushed for four more scores and was named MVP of the Class 7A state title game.

Ford has lived in Arkansas since kindergarten, but his family still has strong ties to the state of Kansas and Kansas State University.

"My brother's always been a fan of Kansas State and he's always wanted me to go to Kansas State," Ford said. "I felt it's in my blood that I had to be a fan, too. It wasn't hard, though, because I grew up going to games and had K-State stuff all around the house."

Ford is also high on nearby Arkansas, which he visited for the Red-White game on April 26.

"They invited me down for the camp this summer," Ford said of Arkansas. "Coach (Jim) Chaney and Coach (Barry) Lunney Jr. said they're going to make it to my spring practices and watch me, then they're going to try and make it to every game that's possible.

"I really like those guys, they're quality guys. They brought me in even before they really knew anything about me. I never played under Coach Lunney Jr. because he went to UA before I went into high school, but playing for his dad, Coach Lunney Sr., who I think is probably the best high school coach in the nation, I think they're exactly alike. I really believe that. Not only in their looks, but they talk the same, they walk the same, and they coach the same. I love that family."