University of Utah Athletics

UtahUtes.com sat down with offensive lineman Nick Ford for a round of 20 questions this week.

Q1: Why did you choose to come to Utah?
A: "The education here is a big part. I want to medical school and it is one of the best schools in the country and state. The football program is great. We are tough. We won the Pac-12 South last year and want to win the Pac-12 this year. And then the coaches and the family atmosphere were important to me too."

Q2: Who is one of the biggest influences in your life?
A: "My family, all in different ways. I'm a momma's boy, I have her initials tattooed on me and her birthday. My dad raised me. I was a little hard-headed kid and he taught me right from wrong. My siblings for sure. My sister, I take care of her and make sure she is alright. My little brother and my older brother. My older brother has a heart condition, so he can't play football and that is a big reason of why I play."

Q3: What is one of your favorite parts about playing football?
A: "The brotherhood."

Q4: What age did you start playing football?
A: "When I was 13, so my freshman year of high school."

Q5: What is something people might not know about you?
A: "I play instruments. Guitar, piano, I surf back home. I want to be a doctor."

Q6: Who is your favorite NFL team?
A: "Chargers, bolts up! They were in San Diego but now they are in L.A. They are in the city."

Q7: Who is your favorite NFL player?
A: "When I was younger it was LaDainian Tomlinson. Growing up and being around more people, Matt Pryor, who plays for the Eagles, is a good family friend and I've known him all my life. Garett Bolles, I met him and he is a cool dude. Jackson Barton who is about to be drafted. I know a lot of people in the NFL so I don't know if I can have a favorite."

Q8: If you could choose someone to play you in a movie, who would it be?
A: "Terry Crews, the buff dude."

Q9: Who is your celebrity crush?
A: "It used to be Jennifer Lawrence to be honest, but I'm going with Alicia Keys."

Q10: What is your favorite food?
A: "I really like Salmon, but I also like steak and potatoes too. Oh and Ahi Tuna."

Q11: What is your favorite restaurant in Salt Lake City?
A: "Probably Blue Plate Diner."

Q12: What is your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: "Video games is a big one. Me and the boys Darrin Paulo, Orlando Umana, all of us we hop on the same server and we are on our headsets playing and chatting."

Q13: What is your favorite hobby?
A: "Probably music."

Q14: On the current coaching staff, who would you choose first for a pick-up game of football?
A: "Coach Shah, for sure."

Q15: How would you describe yourself in three words?
A: "Amazing, gentle, giant."

Q16: What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
A: "A knife, water purifier and flint and steel."

Q17: If you could go pro in another sport, what would it be?
A: "I guess baseball because they make good money, but I don't really like any other sports to be honest."

Q18: Do you have any hidden talents?
A: "I can do cartwheels and I am learning to do a back handspring. I'm also a chef, I know how to cook."

Q19: If you could have a super power, what would it be?
A: "The ability to cure others of ailment."

Q20: If you could time travel, when would you go?
A: "You know I don't think I would go anywhere even if I could. I feel like we are all put in a certain place in a certain time for different reasons, so I think I'd just want to stay where I am."