BLOG 83: Signing Day Remains a Big Deal

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – National Signing Day is always a big time of the season for high-school football players and for college programs seeking to replenish their rosters.

And, it seems that each year signing day only becomes bigger – regardless of the level of college football. On this year’s National Signing Day, Ferris secured commitments from 26 student-athletes that head coach Jeff Pierce hopes will make an impact in his program – either in the immediate future or perhaps down the line. Still, even with all of the excitement, few college football coaches truly will really know what they have until several years down the line.

One thing appears certain. University initiatives have assisted Pierce in attracting what he views as a solid class of recruits. Ferris has been working to reach out to bordering states such as Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin to bring these potential students to Ferris. FSU’s new Great Lakes Scholarship has helped Pierce reach into the states of Illinois and Indiana to attract kids with the lure being what essentially amounts to in-state tuition. It’s not just an initiative for athletics, but clearly Ferris sports teams can benefit from it.

From the state of Indiana, Ferris has added defensive back Michael Smith (East Chicago, Ind./Central) and kicker Mitchell Voss (Valparaiso, Ind./Wheeler) to its ranks. Pierce went into Illinois to sign offensive lineman Michael Wulf (Oswego, Ill.) and defensive back Dion Strong (Bolingbrook, Ill./Plainfield North).

Pierce, who has had luck recruiting in the Sunshine State, successfully return to Florida and added a pair of players in slot receiver Troy McClary (Punta Gorda, Fla./Charlotte) and Brandon Ross (Port Charlotte, Fla./Charlotte).

Of course, the Bulldogs mined their recruiting base of Michigan for the balance of the recruiting class. Pierce and his staff have worked hard to try and put together a solid class. This year’s recruiting effort has been overseen by Eric Ravellette, who finished his first full season as an assistant.

For a comprehensive look at Ferris’ recruiting class, visit
http://www.ferris.edu/sports/FOOTBALL/08news/09recruits.htm

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