BLOG 4: Pierce Likes What He Sees From Receiving Corps

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State receiver Chris Wilson keeps his eyes on the football during a drill in practice on Friday afternoon at Top Taggart Field. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

Big Rapids - - With experienced sure-handed senior receivers such as Mike Guevara, Nate Fricke and Robert Miller no longer competing for Ferris State University’s football program, the door now is wide open for other players to seize the moment and begin to grab some of those spots.

That was pretty evident right off the bat for a Ferris team that, in spite of the losses of men like Miller, Fricke and Guevara, still returns some talented and experienced receivers – guys who will be in the mix in the fall. It wasn’t a particularly tall group of receivers the Bulldogs had last season, but it was nonetheless a group comprised of individuals who made plays. Head football coach Jeff Pierce and the rest of his coaching staff look forward to a competitive spring campaign that will help them begin to answer some questions as preparations are made for the fall.

While the Bulldogs continue to address long-term needs, through the normal recruiting process, the program also is confident it has players in the program now with the capability to get the job done at receiver. On the perimeter, Ferris returns a solid group of catchers led by former Big Rapids High School star Cole Meredith, a veteran receiver who had nine catches for 187 yards and a touchdown a year ago; Chris Wilson, who finished with 11 receptions for 145 yards and two TDs; and Ron Hardy, who totaled nine catches for 98 yards with a score.

“We’ve still got some big, talented and experienced guys at the receiver positions who can go up and catch the ball and are capable of dominating defensive backs,” said Pierce, who hopes to especially be able to utilize his receivers’ height and size advantages and experience in the red zone. “Cole Meredith, Chris Wilson and Ron Hardy are three of the guys who have gotten some experience in our program and are guys we feel have the ability to step in and be leaders and contributors for us.”

One of the things Pierce likes about this group is the size factor – particularly Wilson, who stands an imposing 6-foot-6 while Hardy checks in at a solid 6-foot-1. With that size and strength, Pierce anticipates some strong downfield blocking from his receivers to assist the running game – particularly as Ferris mixes in the option attack to free up its running backs and running quarterbacks.

Ferris State offensive coordinator Matt McCarthy instructs his team on fundamentals during practice on Friday afternoon at Top Taggart Field. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

In addition to returning receivers on the roster, the Bulldogs have signed a pair of wide outs in February with the additions of 6-foot-3 Markham Green Jr., who is a native of Niles North High School, as well as 6-foot-1 Kevin Guirand, of Lakes Community, who also is a native of Illinois.

This spring, Ferris is enjoying an opportunity to get its veteran receivers much-needed work as the coaching staff looks ahead to the arrival of the team’s newcomers in the fall – a group of guys who will battle for opportunities when the team reassembles in August for training camp.

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