UTAH UTES

Utah OL Nick Ford Returning For 2021 Season

Jan 2, 2021, 1:48 PM

Nick Ford - Utah Utes vs. Colorado...

Nick Ford #55 of the Utah Utes warms up before their game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah offensive lineman Nick Ford announced on Twitter that he is returning for the 2021 season.

Nick Ford had the option to go to the NFL Draft but is rather returning to Utah for his “super junior” season. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, college eligibility was frozen so Ford will be a junior again in 2021. He was named first team All-Pac-12 in 2020.

Ford announced his decision to return to Utah via Twitter on Saturday.

“Dear Utah family, thank you for all the memories you have provided me,” Ford wrote. “My years at the University have been nothing short of a dream! I have made life lasting relationships that I sincerely cherish. I grew as a man, leader, and player. This is why I will be back for the 2020 season. This team is going to be special and I can not wait to help lead them, and the rest of our Utah family, to victory. Gotta go with your gut and I know we need a Pac-12 ring on our fingers. Let’s get to work! Can’t wait to play in front of the MUSS and that new end zone!”

Ford is the second Utah player in as many days to decide to return for the 2021 season, joining tight end Brant Kuithe. Linebacker Devin Lloyd is expected to make his decision soon.

Entering the 2020 season, Ford was starting at left tackle before moving over to center after Orlando Umana was injured. Ford is one of the most versatile offensive lineman in the conference and the country.

Trevor Allen is a Utah Utes Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Crimson Corner podcast. Follow him on Twitter: @TrevorASportsYou can download and listen to the podcast, here.

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Utah OL Nick Ford Returning For 2021 Season