DJ Ford headshot taken on January 19, 2026.

D.J. Ford

  • Title
    Defensive Analyst - Defensive Backs

D.J. Ford joined the South Florida football staff in January of 2026 as a defensive analyst (defensive backs) on Brian Hartline’s first Bulls staff.

Ford played defensive back for four seasons for the University of North Carolina (2016-20) and one for East Carolina (2020-21). He appeared in 32 games for North Carolina, posting 72 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack and an interception. He played in 13 games with seven starts during the 2019 season as he posted 54 tackles.

He played in 11 games for ECU in 2021, posting 32 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery.

From Ashland, Ala., he played at Clay Central High School where he earned PrepStar All-Southeast Region honors.