On defense, I think it's less likely he could make much difference right away. Tailback and WR are positions where that is the most likely for a pure freshman to immediately have (positive) impact. Hopefully his raw ability could bear quick fruit on special teams. But i would be really surprised if he would be able to take command in the secondary with basically 10 days of camp experience.
Whitehead was able to have impact for sure immediately, and i know fans have similar hopes here. But he had more time, and was also freelancing out there that first year, it seemed. Flip side, a guy like Hamlin was lost when thrown in and asked to perform within a scheme. So you'd also need to know what they'd ask Ford to actually try to do.
But who knows. Guys can surprise (though more often at TB or WR as mentioned). It would be a surprise for sure though, it shouldn't be an expectation.