BLOG 4: Everyone is under a microscope during the spring

Ferris State University running back Tim Hogue makes a move during a practice session in Big Rapids at Top Taggart Field (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – Defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Duane Wilson, who has a history of developing strong defensive units, may be among the busiest of Ferris State University’s coaches this spring.

The Bulldogs graduated a lot of veterans on defense, including All-American defensive tackle Jake Visser and a group of experienced linebackers, but welcome back some hungry young guys eager to seize the moment. Head coach Jeff Pierce and his staff will be evaluating a lot of film during a spring season comprised of 15 practices that include an April 10 scrimmage, an April 18 scrimmage and then the Crimson and Gold Game on April 24.

“It’s an important time for our coaches because we’re constantly evaluating the players we have on this team and, at this time of the year, we want to see some competition,” Pierce said as his team has practices this week on Thursday (April 2), Friday (April 3) and Saturday (April 4). “We will be doing a lot of evaluations and we will especially be looking at the film from our scrimmages as we have a chance to get our guys out there in a controlled situation.”

Expect a lot of competition for playing time on the defense side with openings at the linebacker positions and on the line. The Bulldogs graduated Visser, who anchored the line; a trio of strong linebackers in Kevin Noe, Jordan Moore and Jeff Hollandsworth; and some key people in the secondary. Those are among the shoes that need to be filled by the team.

Offensively, Ferris returns back a fairly solid nucleus with quarterbacks Kyle Parrish and Tom Schneider returning. The Bulldogs had a young group at receiver last season, but should be more experienced this spring and fall. Plus, the team should have a healthy Chris Wilson back in the mix looking ahead.

This is the time of the year for guys to begin to show what they can do and take big strides toward solidifying their spots on the depth chart.

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