Former LSU RB Michael Ford wants Harlem Berry to ‘not believe the hype’ entering freshman campaign

WESTWEGO, La. (WGNO) – Freshman running back Harlem Berry is preparing to contribute to the LSU football program this fall. The waters he’s entering are familiar territory for one of his high school coaches.

Patrick Taylor running backs coach Michael Ford knows what it takes to be successful at the position. His 756 rushing yards and seven touchdowns in 2011 helped lead LSU to the national championship game. When he was St. Martin’s running backs coach in 2023, he used his experience to prepare Harlem Berry for LSU.

Berry, a five-star recruit, is also the No. 1 running back in the class according to 247Sports.

“It was just little things to get him ready for college,” Ford said. “Little pointers here and there and for the most part, he’s a special kid. I just read somewhere that he’s the No. 1 freshman coming in, so that’s all him.”

If anyone knows the first-year obstacles that Harlem Berry faces in the SEC, it’s Ford, who was one of the nation’s top running backs in the 2009 class.

“Once you get to college, don’t believe in the hype. That’s for high school. Once you get to college, everyone is Harlem Berry,” Ford said. “Now you just have to start over as a freshman. Learn how to be a freshman, a sophomore, and learn how to be a professional. Learn what it takes to be an LSU Tiger. As long as he does that and keeps the main thing the main thing, the guy is special, so he will do great things.”

LSU head coach Brian Kelly says Berry is adjusting to the physicality of the college game, but Ford doesn’t view that as a long-term concern.

“I think when you’re a talented kid, you figure it out. I don’t think it’ll matter,” Ford said. “His greatest asset is his speed, but his agility is second behind that. With the weight program they have at LSU, he’ll pack on weight and get bigger, stronger, and faster. He will fit right in.”