Former Razorback guard Derrian Ford signs with Arkansas State

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - Bryan Hodgson adds an SEC guard to his first Red Wolves men’s basketball recruiting class.

Arkansas freshman guard Derrian Ford announced Friday that he’s committing to Arkansas State. The Magnolia native made it official, signing with the Red Wolves Monday.

“Meeting the coaching staff right when I got up there, you know I go off vibes a lot, and I got great vibes from them,” Ford said. “The coaching staff is amazing, and I just feel that they believe in me, and they can help me do what I am trying to do. I’m just ready to try and turn the program around, me and the other guys, and I feel that we can do that with the right puzzle pieces.”

“We are so excited to welcome Derrian and the Ford’s to the Red Wolves family,” Hodgson said in a release. “Derrrian brings that level of competitiveness and toughness that we were looking to add to our roster at the combo guard spot. The future is bright for Derrian, as he is a relentless worker, a great person, and a leader. All of these characteristics combined with his basketball skillset make him a huge addition to our program. We are so thankful to keep another young man from Arkansas in-state, especially one of his caliber.”

Ford appeared in 21 games for the Razorbacks in the 2022-23 season, recording 15 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, and 1 steal.

He entered the transfer portal on April 27th, making official visits to Arkansas State and Vanderbilt. Ford says he also had interest from Ole Miss, LSU, Sam Houston, Richmond, among several others.

“I just felt like it was time for a change,” Ford said. “I wanted to put myself in a better position. Not saying Arkansas was not the place, but I just felt like it was time for me to make a change, and I am happy that I did.”

Derrian had a decorated high school career at Magnolia. He was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year, the four-star prospect was a consensus top 20 combo guard by 247 Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. Ford was a three-time 4A State Tournament MVP, leading the Panthers to three state championships.

A-State Men’s Basketball Offseason:

TRANSFER PORTAL

PORTAL ADDITIONS

• F LaQuill Hardnett (Senior - Buffalo)
• F Dyondre Dominguez (Junior - UMass)
• G Freddy Hicks (Sophomore - Tarleton State)
• G Derrian Ford (Freshman - Arkansas)

CURRENT RETURNERS

• Caleb Fields (Sr.)
• Terrance Ford (Fr.)
• Izaiyah Nelson (Fr.)
• Avery Felts (Soph.)
• Julian Lual (Soph.)
• Malcolm Farrington (Soph.)
• Parker St. Pierre (Fr.)

NEWCOMER

• Jacob St. Clair (Sand Rock AL - PWO)

DEPARTURES

• Mak Manciel (Soph.) - Detroit Mercy
• Nicolas Tingling (Soph.) - Faulkner

GRADUATED

• Markise Davis
• Omar El-Sheikh
• Dylan Arnette

IN PORTAL

• Antwon Jackson (Soph.)
• Detrick Reeves (Soph.)
• Caleb London (Fr.)
• Alaaeddine Boutayeb (Fr.)

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