Talford is a Navy man

Anyone who has ever seen Ernest Talford play football knows he can run. He'll soon have the opportunity to show that he can march as well.
Talford, a senior at Great Falls High School, signed to play football for the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD on Wednesday.
Talford said he started to think, going into his junior year, that he would have a shot at playing college football because of invitations he was receiving to elite football camps. Talford's dad, Eugene, said he had a feeling even earlier. Watching his son put up staggering rushing numbers in mite league and at the middle school convinced him that his son would make it to the next level.
"He ran for about 2,000 yards one year," Eugene said. "That was enough to tell me what he was capable of."
Talford put up big numbers his last two years at the varsity level for the Red Devils. He had a team-best 17 touchdowns this past season and was a Shrine Bowl selection. His stats, his 4.5 speed and his sterling academics made him attractive to college recruiters. He considered offers from East Carolina, Maryland and Campbell but said the Naval Academy offered everything he wanted.
"I like how the campus is set up," Talford said. "They really stress academics over athletics, which is important to me and they offered me the chance to play right away."
Talford produced wherever Great Falls coaches put him. He played wingback, linebacker, defensive back and returned kicks for the Red Devils. He said offensive and defensive coaches at Navy both wanted him, but that he wants to play defensive back. He said he has started to enjoy playing defense more than offense in the last few years and thinks that playing on defense will give him a better shot at making it to the NFL one day.
Signing with Navy is a five-year commitment, Talford said. His scholarship covers everything and includes a computer, clothes, insurance and a monthly allowance. The total value of the scholarship in about $450,000.
Talford said he will wear Navy-issued uniforms and will take at least one class on the military every day. He said he looks forward to the regimented, disciplined military lifestyle.
"I want to build leadership skills that will carry over to the real world," Talford said.
In addition to playing football, Talford is also a starter on the defending state champion Great Falls basketball team.
Talford plans to major in computer engineering.

Travis Jenkins

Ernest Talford gets a round of applause after signing with Navy on Wednesday.

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