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The USC Trojans wide reviving group just got a big boost going into the summer and fall. On Tuesday afternoon, incoming freshman wide receiver Kyle Ford tweeted that he has been cleared to participate in practice. It is news that many USC fans wanted to hear.
CLEARED✅ #AGTG
— Kyle Ford (@Ford_Kyle6) April 30, 2019
Ford suffered a knee injury that ended his high school career, in a game against Mission Viejo. During the All-American game in early January, Ford stated that he would be able to return to the field in time for fall camp, however many speculated how healthy he would be. Recently the USC signee posted a video on his Twitter account showing the progress in his rehab. Freshman defensive back Max Williams, who also suffered a knee injury in high school, has shown excellent progress during spring camp.
Gettin’ right........almost there pic.twitter.com/kDrrQ3Ujqe
— Kyle Ford (@Ford_Kyle6) March 27, 2019
At 6-foot-2, 212 pounds, Ford was one of the more coveted wide receivers in the 2019 class. The Orange Lutheran prospect was ranked as the No. 6 wide receiver and the No. 4 overall prospect in the state of California according to the 247 Sports composite. Before his season ending knee injury, Ford was having an outstanding senior season, having 456 yards and seven touchdowns off 29 receptions. His junior year at Orange Lutheran, he eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark with 1,468 yards and 13 touchdowns with 91 receptions. Ford committed to USC over Oregon and Washington during the All-American Bowl in early January.
USC’s depth at the wide receiving position has taken a huge hit during the off-season due to a significant amount of players transferring out of the program. The recruiting trail also took a huge blow as four star wide receiver Puka Nacua flipped his commitment from USC to Washington a couple of days after signing day.
How will Ford perform when he hits the field? That remains to be seen. Before spring camp, many had him as a redshirt candidate. Things could definitely change moving forward. Ford can definitely play right away. He draws a lot of comparisons to former USC and current Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Many hope he brings the same success.