‘Overlooked’ Ford Continues To Search For The Perfect Fit

Kellen Ford OF / RHP / Hopkins, MI / 2026

DORR - While college interest is strong, Kellen Ford understands what he is facing when it comes to the recruiting process.

“I know it’s a mess with roster spots and move-ins with the transfer portal,” Ford said. “I realize there’s more competition than ever before.”

No matter the challenges, the junior at Hopkins High School knows what he is looking for at the next level.

“High academics and a hell of a baseball program,” the second-rated 2026 outfielder in Michigan said about his aspirations in finding the perfect fit. “I’d like to stay semi local unless there’s a great opportunity. I’m not going to pass that up to not go out of my boundaries.”

Mid-American Conference schools along with those from the Big 10, Ivy League and “local schools” have all been in contact with the 17-year-old.

“I’m getting looks, but nothing really too serious is going on now,” Ford related. “I’m open to all. I’m trying to find the right fit.”

The first day college coaches could make contact with players in the 2026 class was Aug. 1.

“I had a few reach out, but it wasn’t like it was too cluttered,” the 11th-ranked junior in the state reflected. “I had some good conversations with some really good coaches.”

Admittedly, recruitment has not been easy.

“It’s pretty stressful with a lot of unknowns for me,” Ford noted. “Personally, I feel I’m being overlooked. I’ve observed a lot on the east side of the state being heavily recruited and I’m as good as them. I feel the west side is being overlooked.”

The 6-0 169-pounder is confident he can make an impact at the next level.

“In my opinion I have top line speed and an arm that can match college-level players,” Ford explained. “I feel with more muscle I can be a great addition to any outfield. Plus, I’m a high-level mind with a high-baseball IQ.”

There is also a matter of versatility.

“I’m being looked at primarily as an outfielder, but if two-way springs up I might be inclined to take it,” related Ford, who plays shortstop and pitches for his high school team but is an outfielder for travel teams. “I believe I can bring college-level pitching.”

Adam Goodwin, Prep Baseball Michigan Director of Scouting, sees a lot of strong qualities in Ford.

“Kellen possesses balance of speed, strength and defensive reliability when it comes to his game, accompanied with a strong work ethic and track record in the classroom that has led to a few visits to top academic institutions,” Goodwin said. “Kellen is truly scratching the surface of what is yet to come on the field. He’s poised for a big spring in west Michigan.”

Being a member of Team Michigan at the Future Games was a big part of recruitment.

“Most of the colleges that contacted me saw me at the Future Games,” Ford noted. “I appreciate Adam and Spencer (Impellizzeri, Prep Baseball Michigan Assistant Scouting Director) for helping me with advice.”

The assistance was needed according to Ford.

“I didn’t know what to expect going into Aug. 1 to where I am now,” Ford admitted. “I didn’t know the expectations from a player to the coach and coach to the player. I got a grasp on it Aug. 1 and now have more of a grasp on it.”

Playing college baseball has been a dream according to Ford.

“I’ve been playing baseball since I was four-years-old,” Ford related. “I’ve always wanted to be in the major leagues, but if that didn’t happen high-level college baseball would be top of the line for me.

“Since seventh or eighth grade college baseball has been a dream. I’ve seen really good players come out of college and I’d really love to go to a high-level college and play.”

Improvement is a needed commodity and in the works according to Ford.

“Building strength with my body and mind will help greatly,” Ford said. “Communicating with coaches and building trust in my consistency will get me on the field.”

At the present, no upcoming visits are scheduled.

“I’m actually sending emails and videos to colleges,” Ford said.

The goal remains the same.

“The dream for me is to go to a D-I school that has notoriety,” Ford noted. “But if that’s not the case, I’ll still be all in to whatever school I go to. I’m ready to give 100 percent.”