by Logan Hanson
FightingIllini.com
It has been quite a different experience this spring for tight end Luke Ford and offensive lineman Richie Petitbon. New coaches, new teammates and a new community all awaited the two as they made their migration from the South to the Midwest.
Ford, who transferred after one season at the University of Georgia, and Petitbon, who came to the Illini as a graduate transfer after four years with the University of Alabama, are both slowly adjusting to the unique environment of Illinois football. Thankfully, the Illini coaching staff is well equipped with helping the players in their transition into the program and team.
"I'm adapting well to it," Ford said. "The coaches have been a tremendous help throughout the whole process making it a smooth transition. It's not really that overwhelming because I've already learned how to learn a system. I'm coming here and just getting better day-by-day and focusing on doing that."
Being able to connect with new teammates is perhaps the most important element when it comes to transferring because it is that familiarity that can bring the best results on the field. Fortunately, this has been a bit easier for Petitbon because of his close relationship with Illini star running back Reggie Corbin. Petitbon and Corbin, who have known each other since eighth grade, played together at Gonzaga College High School in Washington D.C. and are roomates during Petitbon's transition.
"It just happened that his old roommate was moving out, so I got to move right in with Reggie and it made the transition a lot smoother," Petitbon said. "It's been really cool to kind of have everything come full circle. To come back and be able to play with him again and getting to move right in with him, he made the transition very, very smooth for me."
Ford (left), who played in 9 games with Georgia as a true freshman, was the No. 1 ranked player in Illinois coming out of high school. Petitbon (right), who was part of two National Championship teams at Alabama, was high school teammates with Illini running back Reggie Corbin.
Ford, who is still awaiting word on an NCAA transfer waiver to be eligible to play in 2019, did not come in with a close friend at the University like Petitbon, but is fortunate enough to be back in his home state. A Cartersville, IL, native and former top-recruit in the state, Ford is excited to be able to represent his state and the Orange & Blue in front of his family, which was the biggest factor in his transition according to Ford.
"It's an awesome feeling to have my family able to come to all of these games and it's great to have the home state feel, to play for my flagship state," Ford said. "To come back and represent Illini Nation, it's really awesome to be home."
Although Ford didn't have a best friend on the team like Petitbon did, it seems as though he is fitting right in with his newest teammates.
"Oh, my boys?" Ford said with a laugh. "I love my boys. All the guys are cool. We all have a good time out there. We are playing hard and competing hard, but yeah I love all my boys."
Both players have had similar paths to reach the Illini. Both were highly touted recruits, both transferred from SEC schools, and now both are competing to earn playing time at a new school. They both also have the same goals for their time with the Illini: To compete hard and to win games.
"My whole mindset is just to come in and try to get better every day," Petitbon said. "Take every day one day at a time, compete, be the best I possibly can and hopefully earn an opportunity to help this team win football games."
"I want to help this team win games," Ford said. "Just go out there and get some dubs for the Illini and catch some touchdowns."
