Kevin Ford, top prospect in Texas, blending in with imposing line
WAXAHACHIE, TEXAS - It can be pretty difficult for an observer to overlook Duncanville’s defensive line.
The Panthers’ front four boasts size, with each one going at least 6-foot-2, and speed, with their ability to quickly get to the quarterback or other ballcarriers.
And for the most part, they have experience, with three of the four starters seniors.
As for the lone non-senior starter up front? Kevin “KJ” Ford is coming into his own.
Ford is a 6-3, 225-pound 5-star sophomore defensive end and the top-rated 2026 prospect in Texas, No. 5 defensive lineman in the country No. 31 overall prospect, per the 247 Sports Composite.
He complements the other end, senior and University of Texas commit Colin Simmons, as well as senior tackles Alex January (also a Texas commit) and Javian Council, a move-in from Moore, Oklahoma.
They were at their disruptive best Friday night in a District 11-6A game at once-beaten Waxahachie. The front four helped hold the Indians to just 21 yards of total offense through three quarters as the Panthers eventually moved to 5-0 with a 44-10 win. They also contributed four sacks.
“We played great and we’re going to keep playing great,” Ford said afterward. “We’re going to keep it up (and stay) consistent, that’s what we are.”
Duncanville coach Reginald Samples knows how valuable his defensive front has been for his squad.
“They’ve done that all season,” Samples said. “They’re a good group; we knew that they were going to play well and they’ve done it. They’re a good group of guys, they were really physical.
“They are doggone good athletes. They’re big and strong and athletic.”
FITTING IN
With Ford in his first season as a starter, he knew he definitely wanted to learn a thing or two from his fellow d-linemen. Ford undoubtedly absorbed the advice he was given.
“Yes, I have fit in good,” Ford said. “(They taught me) to just play my role. The play’s going to come; I’m going to get one-on-one, so I’ve just got to make the play when it comes to me.
“Really (I learned) just all aspects of the game, and on the d-line. Just run block, pass block, everything really.”
Another thing which stands out about the Panther front four is their ability to trust one another.
“We all just communicate, we’re all just good on all levels,” Ford said. “We’re all good on our own things and we all just fit together, even the (second-teamers) and everybody.”
PICKING THE PICK
While the defensive line did their part in Friday’s win, Ford said his favorite play wasn’t a sack or a tackle for loss. It even wasn’t a play made by either him or his fellow d-linemen.
Instead, it was a second-quarter interception from junior defensive back Tyren Polley, made near the sideline while being able to keep his feet in bounds. The pick - Duncanville’s lone takeaway - set up the Panthers’ third touchdown, giving them a 23-0 lead.
And to Ford, it epitomizes the value the entire defense brings, from the front four to the back seven.
“I just think the whole team’s good,” Ford said. “Everything, everybody, every unit, we all play good.”
That also isn’t lost on Samples. Duncanville gets plenty of attention for its high-octane offense, but the coach knows the play of his defense will be vital when it comes to returning to AT&T Stadium in Arlington and playing for another state title.
“It always does,” Samples said. “We try to build our team around defense, and that’s the thing we focus on.
“We’re just trying to get better every week. We know our offense is good, but we’ve got to play defense.”
Through five games, Duncanville has allowed a total of 23 points, recording three straight shutouts at one juncture.
OFFERS ROLLING IN
Ford has already received offers from nine schools, including in-state schools Texas A&M, SMU, North Texas, Texas State and Baylor. He also has offers from Arizona State, Marshall, Nebraska and Penn State.
Two weeks ago, Ford visited Texas A&M and took in the Aggies’ win against Auburn.
“It was good, I liked the atmosphere,” Ford said of A&M. “It was good.”
He added he was contemplating visiting A&M again this Saturday, with the Aggies getting set to have a huge SEC showdown against Alabama, but Ford remarked he wasn’t sure if he will go since he had already recently visited College Station.
NOT LOOKING AHEAD
Football fans from across the state are already salivating at Oct. 27, as Duncanville pays a visit to DeSoto in a game between two defending state champions (Duncanville in 6A Division I and DeSoto in 6A Division II) and a game which will likely decide the district title. DeSoto also moved to 5-0 on Friday with a 64-3 win at Mansfield Legacy.
But the Eagles are the farthest thing from the Panthers’ minds right now.
In fact, Duncanville now has to prepare for another key test on Thursday, as the Panthers travel to face a Mansfield team that had started out 5-0 before suffering a 47-14 loss to Cedar Hill.
For Samples, it’s part of being part of a perennial title contender like Duncanville, attempting to take everyone else’s best shot.
“(It’s like this) every week; we like it, we love it,” Samples said. “This is what you coach for, to play the good games.
“Easy wins are not what we do, we want to play good games and that gets us ready for the playoffs.”
Photo of Duncanville's Kevin "KJ" Ford (10) by Michael Horbovetz
-- Buck Ringgold | buck@scorebooklive.com | @SBLiveTX
