BLOG 78: Visser shows his mettle in career-ending loss to Saginaw Valley

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State defensive tackle Jake Visser (middle) fights off a block during Saturday’s home game at Top Taggart Field against Saginaw Valley State (FSU Photographic Services)

BIG RAPIDS – Even suffering a 26-14 defeat to Saginaw Valley State University in his final college football game, Ferris State University All-American defensive tackle Jake Visser had nothing but great things to say about the Bulldog football program.

“It has been a real honor and a real blessing for me to have had the opportunity to play college football at Ferris State University,” said Visser, who expects to graduate in May 2009 with a degree in secondary education. “I know I made the right decision coming here to play college football at Ferris and if I had that decision to make over again I would pick Ferris again.”

Visser was married this summer (May 17) and he and his wife, Jessica, are enjoying the finish of their experiences at Ferris. The Coopersville native enjoyed a monster final college football game as he finished with a game-best 15 total tackles, one sack and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Throughout this season, the National Football League scouts have taken some opportunities to take a look at the 6-foot-2 and 275-pound Visser. Whether he has pro potential or not, Visser plans to give whatever he does everything he has to give.

“The future for me is still undecided,” said Visser, who will take aim at the professional level, but also sees a football coaching career at some point in the future. “I would love to be able to play football at the next level, but I know the odds really are against it. I’m a little short and I’m a little light, but I am still hoping to get an opportunity.”

Visser, one of 17 Bulldogs playing college football for the final time on Saturday, got a little additional good news last week as he was named one of 24 finalists for the coveted Harlon Hill Trophy awarded annually to the nation’s top Division II college football player. The winner of the 2008 Harlon Hill Trophy will be announced Dec. 12 in Florence, Ala., at the Florence Conference Center at 6:30 p.m.

“I never even thought of myself being up for something like that,” Visser said. “It feels real good to be honored like that by becoming a Harlon Hill finalist. I’m just happy to be in the running for it. It’s a big honor.”

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