BLOG 59: Ferris’ defense to be put to the test against Wayne’s run game

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State defenders converge on a Northern Michigan ball carrier (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Ferris has one of the best defensive front-seven units in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and has been stingy against the run throughout much of the season.

That prowess stopping the run will be put to the test as the Bulldogs face one of the top running backs in the GLIAC and the nation: the dynamic redshirt junior Benton Harbor native Joique Bell. Bell’s backup, Daryl Graham, has proven to be a nice addition having transferred to Wayne after he began his career at Michigan Tech. Bell has 640 yards with six touchdowns this season while Graham has less carries, but has rushed for 317 yards.

Containing Bell (and Graham at times too), who will be used in a number of different ways for the Warriors, is a major key for the Bulldogs.

Bell has rushed for more than 4,000 yards rushing and has accumulated more than 5,000 all-purpose yards during his career. He recently, passed former Ferris standout Mo Harris on the GLIAC career rushing and all-purpose yards lists.

As a team, Wayne is outrushing opponents 1,077 to 933. The Bulldogs front seven includes linemen Jake Visser and Kyle Walker as well as the outstanding trio of linebackers Kevin Noe, Jordan Moore and Jeff Hollandsworth. That group of seniors will have the task of containing Bell, Graham and controlling the Warriors’ potent running attack.

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