Junior linebacker Myles Graham joined head coach Jon Sumrall and teammates Vernell Brown III and Jadan Baugh at the 2026 SEC Media Days on Wednesday. During his time at the podium, Graham was asked to name a freshman who has caught his attention.
“On defense, I would say incoming freshman would probably be KJ Ford,” Graham said. “He’s just a natural kind of pass rusher. He’s just a natural football player. He’s just very limber, loose. He’s very mobile. He’s fast.”
Ford, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound edge rusher, was ranked as the No. 152 overall prospect and the No. 18 edge in the 2026 class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
As a senior for Duncanville High School (Texas), Ford recorded 31 tackles, 17.5 TFL, 8.5 sacks, 1 FF, 1 punt block, and 13 QB hurries. He helped Duncanville win the Texas 6A D-I state championship. He also shined at the Under Armour All-America Game with two tackles and a tackle for loss.
“I think he’s going to be a great player for us this year and the next years to come,” Graham said on Ford.”
This isn’t the first time Ford has drawn high praise. Back in March, outside linebackers coach Bam Hardmon spoke about the freshman’s maturity and eagerness during spring practice.
“He’s coming along really well, he’s eager to learn, he has a really good attitude, he’s coachable, Hardmon said. “So really impressed with how he’s coming along so far, and it will only put him farther along with these extra reps he’s able to gain in the spring time, so that in the fall, it should put him in position to have a really good role.”
After flashing in the Orange and Blue Spring Game with a sack and two tackles, Ford has continued to build on that momentum over the summer. He appears poised to play a significant role as a true freshman, likely serving as the primary backup to Jayden Woods at the JACK position.