Bernard Ford - Football (1985-87) - Class of 2011
Bernard Ford is one of the most electrifying wide receivers to ever don the Black and Gold. During his UCF career, spanning 1985-87, Ford would break UCF records and establish a few offensive marks to stand nearly two decades later.
Following his collegiate career, Ford would get drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the 1988 NFL Draft. Outside of fellow Hall of Famer Daunte Culpepper's first round selection in 1999, Ford's Draft position stands as one of the highest draft Knights on offense all-time. His time in the NFL would also see him spend time with the Dallas Cowboys, Houston Oilers and Green Bay Packers, as well as with the London Monarchs of the former World League of American Football.
As a senior in 1987, Ford helped guide the Knights to an impressive 9-4 record and into the national semifinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs. His statistics would land him First-Team All-America status from Kodak and Football News in addition to Little All-America from the Associated Press. That year, Ford caught a then-school record 68 passes for 1,180 yards with 13 touchdowns. If playoff games would have counted towards final statistics, his number skyrocketed to 82 catches for 1,403 yards.
During the 1986 season, Ford would catch 30 passes for 653 yards and eight touchdowns. In his first season, 1985, Ford totaled 305 yards receiving. For his career, Ford amassed 2,138 yards on 111 catches and 21 touchdowns. His career yardage and touchdowns still rank in the UCF top ten to this day. Ford can also be found elsewhere in the UCF receiving record book, including career average (19.3) and single-season average (21.8) and 100-yard games (5). A jack of all trades for UCF, Ford also the Knights punter, punt return and kick return specialist. Ford would play during Gene McDowell's first three seasons at UCF.
An all-state athlete from Cordele, Ga., Ford transferred to UCF from Marion Institute Junior College after a standout high school career at Crispy County.