Gainesville High graduate Gerald Ford, a wide receiver for Valdosta State University, was named the Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year. He was also tabbed as a second-team All-Gulf South Conference Selection.

Ford finished the season with 41 catches for 528 yards. He is only the fifth Blazers football player in school history to earn the Freshman of the Year distinction. Last year, Chris Hart, also from Valdosta State won the honor.