Two Cougs from football factory now in fold?

WHEN FALL CAMP gets underway tomorrow at WSU, evidence of a crimson pipeline to a rising California prep football factory will be seen out on the field. And a report in the last 24 hours says that pipeline is now set to double in size.

A report in the L.A. Times says Raymond Ford, a Class of 2012 three-star cornerback Mike Leach pursued mightily before the 5-9, 165-pounder went to Cal on Signing Day, has now signed with WSU.

Ford, out of Junipero Serra High in Gardena, Calif., signed with Cal back in February but the Mercury News reported he ultimately did not qualify academically at Cal, leading to his now signing with Wazzu. If and when a signee does not qualify at a school, his LOI becomes null and void and he is free to sign elsewhere. When Ford is scheduled to arrive in Pullman and start his WSU career remains unclear, he has not yet responded to CF.C requests for comment.

Leach got in on the Serra futures market this past February when standout LB Kache Palacio, who held offers from UCLA, SMU and others, signed with the Cougs.

Serra has cranked out a number of star USC performers in recent years, including Robert Woods, Marqise Lee and George Farmer.

Ford, who was at one time also verbally committed to UCLA last year, is not the tall corner defensive coordinator Mike Breske covets. But Ford's talent was such this past recruiting cycle that his offers included seven Pac-12 schools (WSU, Cal, UCLA, Arizona, ASU, Colorado and Utah) as well as Nebraska and others.

Ford was an All-State First-Team selection as a junior when he posted 45 tackles, five interceptions including one for a 77-yard TD return and 15 passes defended. He saw limited action as a senior due to injury.

He was ranked the No. 38 prep corner in the nation by Scout.com in the 2012 class and three stars.

"Ford's not the biggest cornerback out there, he'll need to put on some weight in college, but his coverage awareness, hip flexibility and backpedal quickness is some of the best out West," says Scout.com. "He's got great ball skills and hands- he had a number of interceptions this season and routinely drew the opponents top receiver. Needs to bulk up and improve his jamming ability, but has the anticipating and change of direction desired in a corner."