University of Arkansas at Monticello Athletics

Ford was a first team All-Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference selection as a two-way halfback in 1956 and '57 and is still the only Boll Weevil to return four kicks for touchdowns in his career.

Ford returned two kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns and was a part of Convoy Leslie's AIC dynasty that won four straight league titles from 1955-58.

Leslie once called Ford "the best little man I ever saw on a football field. He had tremendous quickness, he was shifty, and he was tough," Leslie said. "He was the best broken field runner I ever coached."

Despite his lack of size, Ford was highly recruited after an outstanding high school career at Lake Village. He was recruited by every AIC school plus Delta State, but opted to follow his older brother, Jerry, to the University of Arkansas. When his career as a Razorback didn't pan out, Ford transferred to Arkansas A&M and became a star in Leslie's split-T offense as well as a stellar defensive back. Ford rushed for 1,540 yards and averaged nearly six yards a carry. He still owns two of the five longest kickoff returns in school history with a 96-yard return vs. Delta State and a 95-yarder against Ouachita.

Leslie, who died in 1999, still had vivid memories of Ford's return against Ouachita when visiting with a writer several years ago.

"It came up a thunderstorm at halftime and just soaked the field," Leslie remembered. "There was water standing nearly ankle deep along the sidelines. Alvin took the second half kickoff and broke loose down our side of the field. He was plowing through that water and I was out there waving him on. When he went by me, he soaked me from head to toe."