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Tiger Tuesday: Brandon Ford

By John Chancey

Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Brandon Ford (80) celebrates after beating the LSU Tigers in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Clemson won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers tight end Brandon Ford (80) celebrates after beating the LSU Tigers in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl at the Georgia Dome. Clemson won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tiger Tuesday features a Clemson athlete from the past that significantly impacted their program.  This week Clemson football is highlighted with former tight end Brandon Ford.

Brandon Ford – Tight End, 2008-12

  • RTR 200 Ranking: 191
  • Honorable Mention All-American by SI.com and Sporting News in 2012
  • First-Team All-ACC selection in 2012
  • 65 receptions
  • 728 yards
  • 12 touchdowns

Brandon Ford grew up a Gamecock fan, but the Tigers convinced him that Clemson was where he belonged.

Ford played for Hanahan High School in Hanahan, South Carolina, near Charleston. While he always assumed he would go to South Carolina, it was Clemson that saw his promise early. Following a visit to Clemson for a 7v7 event, Ford began to understand that the Tigers had a lot to offer. While the Gamecocks and others would continue to recruit him during his senior season, he had already figured out where he wanted to play.

Ford redshirted in 2008. Through his junior season he waited his turn behind Duane Allen, who was a highly regarded tight end during his career. Ford made the best of his years as a second-stringer, catching 25 passes and four touchdowns. He was also named to the ACC Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 & 2011.

Brandon Ford waited his turn with Clemson football and eventually became an All-ACC Tight End and a Clemson graduate

Following Duane Allen’s departure after the 2011 season, Ford was elevated to the first-string. He turned that opportunity into 40 receptions for 480 yards and eight touchdowns. He was named to the All-ACC first team and received honorable mention All-American honors. By the end of his college career, he had tied Allen with 12 career touchdowns, while only starting one full season. He graduated in May 2021 with a degree in sociology.

Ford went undrafted in the 2013 NFL Draft, but his performance at Clemson’s Pro Day did earn him an opportunity with the New England Patriots. He was eventually waived due to injury.

Today Ford works in the financial and insurance sector. He credits his time at Clemson for shaping his future when football was over. He stresses to youth to take advantage of the opportunities they have to continue their education.

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