Steve Sarkisian makes a surprising comment on Jaylan Ford going to New Orleans.

Steve Sarkisian’s thoughts about Jaylan Ford going to New Orleans in the fifth round of the NFL draft

Texas linebacker Jaylan Ford was one of 11 Longhorns selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. The New Orleans Saints selected Ford as the 175th overall pick in the fifth round of the draft.

[Sign up for Inside Texas and receive one month for $1!]

Here’s what Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said regarding Ford’s move to New Orleans.

“Jaylan Ford is a great pick for New Orleans and will be an awesome addition to the Saints,” Sarkisian said in a statement. “He was a significant part of our program. Jaylan really moved to the forefront and became the leader of our defense in year two, as we were transitioning from a difficult defensive year in the first. He had an outstanding season that year, making important plays that made a significant difference for us. Then, last year, he takes it to the next level and becomes one of the best leaders on our entire team; he served on our leadership committee and was team captain. He just meant a lot to us in the first three years of developing our program.He was a magnet for the football, causing turnovers, recovering fumbles, getting interceptions, being able to rush the passer, and ultimately being a leader in improving our defense from year one to year two to one of the best in the country last year.

 

“Jaylan’s versatility is what makes him such a promising NFL prospect. He has the size, speed, and an extremely high football IQ. We asked him to do it all: rush the passer, stop running, and cover individuals in space. He can play both the run and the pass. He can play any inside linebacker position, and I believe his versatility in the NFL will be important because he can do a variety of things for you. The Saints will adore this guy as a player, in the locker room, and in the community. Jaylan is simply an amazing player and person.”

Ford was ranked as the No. 1194 overall prospect, the No. 134 linebacker, and the No. 144 player in Texas by the 2019 On3 Industry Ranking, a proprietary system that combines ratings and rankings from all four major recruiting media services.