Undersized Defensive End Travis Ford-Bey Thrives with West Chester Golden Rams

Strategic Insights -

Travis Ford-Bey is a fifth-year senior at West Chester University, where he plays defensive end for the Golden Rams. Despite being only 6 feet tall and 240 pounds, Ford-Bey is a major reason for the team's success, earning him a spot on the Consensus Draft Services Division II preseason all-American team. Ford-Bey's motor and determination make him a valuable asset on the field, and he is proud to contribute to a team that is favored to win the PSAC East.

Key Takeaways:

  • Travis Ford-Bey, a 6-foot, 240-pound defensive end, is a major reason for the West Chester Golden Rams' success, despite his undersized frame.
  • Ford-Bey is a two-time first-team all-PSAC East Division selection and was named to the Consensus Draft Services Division II preseason all-American team.
  • He finished last season with 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries in West Chester's 3-4 defense.
  • Ford-Bey has taken 110 career tackles and 12.5 career sacks into Thursday night's season opener at Delaware.
  • Golden Rams defensive coordinator Mike Furlong believes Ford-Bey is undervalued due to the team's 3-4 defense, which puts him in tough situations and hurts his sack numbers.
  • Ford-Bey is focused on contributing to the team and is happy to be at West Chester, where he is receiving a quality education and playing on a team that values his skills.

Statistics:

  • Ford-Bey finished last season with 31 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and seven quarterback hurries.
  • He has taken 110 career tackles and 12.5 career sacks into Thursday night's season opener at Delaware.
  • West Chester was ranked 22nd nationally in the American Football Coaches Association NCAA Division II preseason poll.
  • Ford-Bey is a two-time first-team all-PSAC East Division selection.
  • The Golden Rams feel they have a 1,000-yard rusher in running back D'Andre Webb, and must replace all four of last season's starting linebackers.

Sources:

  • "Travis Ford-Bey doesn't pass the eye test. In street clothes, the fifth-year senior at West Chester looks nothing like a defensive end." by Keith Pompey, The Philadelphia Inquirer.