BLOG 21: Getting defensive in the spring game

Ferris quarterback Robert Banaszak is hit hard by defenders during the Crimson and Gold Spring Game on Friday at Top Taggart Field (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – We’ve talked about the young defensive unit for Ferris State University, but one of the strengths of that defensive unit might be in its pass coverage.

To some extent, that proved to be the case during the Crimson and Gold Spring Game on Friday evening at Top Taggart Field. While the White team won 40-23 over the Crimson team, there were a few defensive highlights in the contest.

Defensive back Chad Wilson, who had a strong season during the fall of 2008, picked off a Kyle Parrish pass and returned it 19 yards. Later, fellow defensive back Cody Groulx intercepted a Parrish pass and returned it 30 yards and linebacker Kyle Fitzpatrick picked off a Tom Schneider pass, intended for receiver Tim Hogue, and returned it five yards.

We know there are some holes to fill at linebacker and on the defensive line, but the secondary is looking pretty solid. In addition to Wilson and Groulx making plays in the spring game, Ferris also has capable veterans in safety C.J. Lee, corner Angelo Williams, corner Russell Weatherspoon and other players who opponents will have to deal with this fall.

If the defensive line can get pressure on quarterbacks, it could create more opportunities for the secondary to make the kinds of game-changing plays it is capable of making. At times, the defensive line (sometimes with help from linebackers) managed to get into the offensive backfield to put pressure on the quarterbacks.

But, the defense had a few breakdowns and missed tackles that led to some long scoring plays during periods of the contest. In the second quarter, Dwayne Williams had a 57-yard touchdown run and there were several long pass plays for touchdowns as well.

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