BLOG 2: Bulldogs still have some veterans returning at receiver

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – Receivers Nate Fricke, Robert Miller and Mike Guevara are all gone from last fall's Ferris State University football squad.

Ferris State University head coach Jeff Pierce address the team after a practice session at Top Taggart Field in Big Rapids. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

The losses of those three steady veterans mean the team has some spots that are open for individuals ready to step their game up to take those positions. Veteran-wise, senior Cole Meredith, a local product who prepped at Big Rapids High School, and junior Chris Wilson entered camp with edges in experience on the gridiron this fall. Also, speedy and athletic Tim Hogue is expected to fill in the role vacated by Miller as he will switch between receiver and running back to give opposing defenses a little something extra to think about throughout the season.

"We have a lot of positions that are open for competition and receiver is definitely one of those positions, but we do have two veterans who are coming back and who have gotten some experience," offensive coordinator Matt McCarthy said. "We do have Chris and Cole back, but we also have another position that is open and we're looking forward to seeing who steps in and takes that position with the competition we've had."

Two former local stars hope to compete for that spot as senior Rahseem Jones-Salaam, a native of Baldwin, and sophomore Matt Schuelke, a former Reed City High School standout, are in the mix for a spot. Ferris also has Keenan Bowman, Seth Hubbard, Damien Miller and converted quarterback Kevin Ward fighting for spots.

"We've got some guys who have some experience, but we definitely want our backups to challenge our starters for those spots," McCarthy said. "We definitely want to see some good competition out there to do some pushing."

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com