The Gophers football program added depth to its backfield Sunday when highly productive running back Xavier Ford from Leesville (La.) High School gave a verbal commitment to join Minnesota’s 2025 recruiting class.

The Gophers football program gained a commitment from 2025 three-star Louisiana running back Xavier Ford on Sunday.

The 5-foot-9, 210 pounder joins a running back room currently highlighted by Gophers star back Darius Taylor. Ford’s addition helps restock the cupboard at the position, after Minnesota had a couple running back commits flip to other programs late in the cycle.

The Minnesota Gophers got a late commitment on Sunday morning from 2024 Louisiana Mr. Football Xavier Ford, a 2025 running back out of Leesville.

Xavier Ford. Ford was named “Mr. Football” by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association after a record-setting season in which he rushed for 3,467 yards and 52 touchdowns. He will officially sign his letter of intent on Feb.