BLOG 25: Linebackers provide much-needed backup for Ferris

By Sandy Gholston

Jeff Hollandsworth is one of three senior starters in Ferris' linebacking unit (FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS – The unsung heroes of Ferris State University’s defense has been its trio of standout senior linebackers: Kevin Noe, Jordan Moore and Jeff Hollandsworth.

That group – the backbone of a tough Bulldog defense – again showed its capability in leading Ferris to a convincing 14-0 shutout victory, over Findlay, in a Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference contest in rainy conditions Saturday evening at Top Taggart Field.

How tough were those linebackers against the Oilers? They were pretty tough. Noe led the Ferris with 12 tackles, was part of a sack, a pass breakup and had 1.5 tackles for loss. Hollandsworth was second in tackles with eight in all and contributed to one tackle for lost yardage. Moore totaled six tackles, one sack and had three tackles for losses. It’s typical of the high-level production this unit has enjoyed so far this season.

“We feel pretty good about playing together as a group,” said Noe, who spoke of the strong friendship the senior linebackers share on and off the field. “We’re a group that started out playing together when we first got here, when we were young, we got a lot of experience and now it feels good the way things are beginning to come together for us. It’s an exciting feeling right now to see how we’ve been able to develop and improve, together, as a team.”

The linebackers have come up through the Bulldogs’ program together and this year the team reaps the benefits of their hard work and dedication to Ferris football.

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