BLOG 11: Best days are ahead for Schneider at quarterback

By Sandy Gholston

Ferris State quarterback Tom Schneider rolls out with the football during a drill in practice this spring (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

BIG RAPIDS – Redshirt freshman Tom Schneider is still a young guy at quarterback for Ferris State University and, as you might expect, it appears his best days appear ahead of him.

You can expect Schneider will continue to improve as he gains the necessary experience that can only be the product of game experience. The coaches have confidence in Schneider’s ability to play the all-around game: passing, running, leadership and more. One of the things perhaps most impressive about Schneider’s week-one effort in a 14-12 non-conference road victory against Tiffin was his physical durability. He absorbed some major hits from the Dragons and each time he bounced back for more. He left the game, briefly, with an injury. But, Schneider returned and finished the contest.

The good news for the Bulldogs is Schneider is on pace for growth while the team also maintains confidence in juniors Kyle Parrish and Eric Grozenski. Parrish, a junior-college newcomer from California, entered the game for one series as Schneider left with an injury, and performed solidly as he was pressed into somewhat unexpected duty.

As Schneider builds confidence and experience, and the coaches gain more and more trust in him, it’s not inconceivable to see the team trying to incorporate the downfield passing game into its offense. The youthful offensive line has had the benefit of going against Ferris’ defensive line throughout the week in practice, and that experience should ultimately pay dividends in time.

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