A familiar face will be in the Cincinnati backfield as Alabama faces the Bearcats at the Cotton Bowl in a College Football Playoff semifinal.

Jerome Ford was a former 4-star recruit that signed with the Crimson Tide out of the class of 2018. After 2 seasons with the program in a running back room that included Najee Harris, he transferred to Cincinnati.

And the Tampa native has blossomed. After 8 touchdowns last year, he has totaled 1,238 yards and 19 touchdowns on 200 carries along with 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown. Along with quarterback Desmond Ridder, it’s just another weapon the Tide defense will have to account for on Dec. 31.

Brian Robinson Jr. was among that Alabama RB corps with Ford and Harris and was complimentary of his former teammate.

“He had to make a decision for himself and his family. He left, and he joined a program that was upcoming and helped build to that program and helped lead them to where they are now,” he said. “I’m just so proud of him, just the progress he made joining another program, making it to this point…

“[He’s a] fast…physical guy [who] knows how to finish plays well. So it’s exciting to be able to play against Jerome on the other side of the ball on one of these biggest stages. I’m excited to see how he handles that.”

Phidarian Mathis seemed well aware of the challenge that faced him and his fellow defensive linemen.

“He always ran hard…and still (does),” he said. “I know (we’ll) have to stop the run when it comes down to him running that ball.”