BLOG 16: Defense has some experience returning

Ferris quarterback Kyle Parrish is hauled down in a sea of Bulldog defenders during a scrimmage at Top Taggart Field (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – With all the talk of personnel loss to graduation, particularly on defense, Ferris’ cupboard is not empty of experience entering next season.

While coaches and fans often lament injuries over the course of a long season, injuries oftentimes open doors for younger guys to step into spots and make positive things happen for the program.

Long-time assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Duane Wilson was quick to point out his unit welcomes back guys with Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game experience returning to the gridiron.

On the defensive line, Wilson cites the return of guys such as Kory Deering, Jacob Moreno and Joe Morrow who have had action on the field in the past. One guy can’t replace All-American Jake Visser, but a group of guys must step forward to get the job done – by committee.

At linebacker, Nick Butler, Matt Ryan and Kyle Fitzpatrick are among guys returning with experience. The group, and others, will fight to fill the big shoes left by the graduation of a strong trio of starting linebackers (Jeff Hollandsworth, Kevin Noe and Jordan Moore).

In the secondary, Wilson believes he has experience and proven talent returning led by C.J. Lee, Santino Favot, Chad Wilson and Angelo Williams. If that group can play up to its potential, the Bulldogs should be solid in the secondary. That leadership will be important as some younger guys fill in spots on the defensive line and at linebacker.

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