Towson attackman Spencer Ford kids around with his teammates, informing them that the college newspaper used his picture because of his good looks. He'll also embellish his statistics all the time, boasting at practices that no one can stop him.

But ignore the wise cracks, peel away that cocky appearance and be prepared for a surprise. Ford is actually one of the most unselfish players in college lacrosse today.

Always possessing excellent vision, Ford has found his comfort level in a new offensive system and become one of the nation's most dangerous feeders, recording 17 assists in just three games. Ford will see how the No. 12 Tigers measure up against the nation's elite today, when they play host to No. 4 Syracuse.

"When you got two finishers like Kevin [Sturm] and Dannie [Ross] sitting on the crease, all I got to do is throw the ball in the air," said Ford, a fifth-year senior and a Towson High graduate. "It's actually an easier role. I've never minded giving someone else a goal.

Ford then stopped and smiled, adding, "You still get a point for an assist."

And Ford racks up points. Lots Ford of them.

On March 20, he broke the 21-year-old record for points in a game with five goals and eight assists in a 20-8 rout of Vermont.

Although the Catamounts aren't known as defensive stalwarts, Ford still put up astounding numbers, scoring or assisting on seven of Towson's first nine goals. His eight assists were more than the Tigers' entire total in seven games last season.

Three days later, Ford tacked on two goals and six assists in blasting Hartford, 18-7. In that game, he assisted on four of Kevin Strum's seven goals.

"He's the quarterback of our offense and runs the show," said Sturm, who has played alongside Ford for three seasons. "Every time Spencer has the ball, I'm cutting to get open. If I'm open, Spencer sees me. He's got the best eyes in the country."

Yet in years past, Ford still saw the field but wasn't in position to contribute. A natural attackman, he had to adjust to playing in Division I as well as to a new position in the midfield.

When he finally moved to attack last season, Ford still seemed out of sync with Towson's one-on-one, dodging philosophy. So enter new coach Tony Seaman and his motion offense, which relies on ball movement, cutting and a prime feeder.

"Before, it wasn't like we were playing a team sport," Ford said. "Now, it's so much easier. I touch the ball every single time. Everyone is involved. I just stand behind the crease and feed."

Ah, Ford caught in a modest moment. Actually, Ford possesses a selfless talent not many players excel at this season.

Just try to rattle off players this year who have nearly as many assists as shots. For the record, Ford has 17 assists and 19 shots.

"You can teach a lot of things, but one of the hardest things to teach is to see the field," Seaman said. "To be able to realize who's open, what time they're open or who's going to get open, it's tough to be able to anticipate that. That's a skill not many people have."

And Seaman's advice to his offensive players?

"Don't ever put your head down," he said. "Always expect the ball, because it might be coming at any time. And it's always in the right place."

Just don't let Ford hear Seaman say that.

At a practice last week, Ford kept gloating to his coaches about his points this season and how no defender can handle him. So Seaman picked up a stick to guard Ford, fouling him unmercifully.

Despite not scoring, Ford had the final say when he accidentally stepped on Seaman's foot with his spikes. So guess what Ford brought up at the team lunch the next day?

And to no one's surprise, Ford feels quite comfortable in this laid-back atmosphere.

"They've given me so much confidence because they have so much confidence in me," said Ford, who has 83 career assists, 42 shy of the school record. "As soon as you throw a pass away, a lot of coaches would yell at you. These guys are like: Throw it again, eventually it'll get there. They make me feel good out there."

Passing fancy

A look at Towson senior attackman Spencer Ford's career statistics for games played, goals, shots, assists and ground balls:

Yr GP G Sh A GB

'96 14 7 38 19 33

'97 12 11 37 16 23

'98 12 18 53 31 36

'99 3 10 19 17 9

Tot 41 46 147 83 101