Buckeye Writer giving Ferns some love....
http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9339164&categoryid=8536673 Brad knows that he may catch some slack from his loyal Buckeye followers, but it sounds like Ferns is really impressing!
Man, I love this recruiting class. As excited as we all are, and rightfully should be, for Peppers, there's still a ton of discussion for players like McDowell, Jackson, and Hand.
Now, factoring out all the 5 stars (so happy I can write that), there are so many studs overshadowed initally but getting their just dues now. Ferns is a beast, as is Mone. Drake Harris could be the next player to wear #1. Bunting just got invited to the Opening. Lots of potential from Mason Cole, Lawrence Marshall, Speight, etc
I'd debate that we shouldn't factor IN those 5 stars, as they aren't Michigan commits yet. Don't count your chickens before they slide out the back door of a nationally respected rivalry in order to keep playing Purdue, MSU, and Stanford.
He forgot to mention the T-Shirts, though!
That's pretty encouraging. I thought Ferns looked a little skinny in some of the photos (no worries since he's only going into his senior year), but he definitely has some size in that video.
Sterling Jenkins was mentioned by Sam Webb as someone who really looked the part and may be a battle between M and Ohio. He's talked up quite a bit in this video, but frankly it looks like guys are going by him relatively easily. Likely just more proof that I don't have any idea what I'm looking for in these things, but his feet didn't look particular fast/nimble.
looks like a freaking beast.
Fernalonious
I've got to give Brad proper recognition for giving an honest opinion.
I knew he had bulked up, but it was really nice seeing him move so well in space. Looks like he might become another great Michigan linebacker.
Dantonio on recruiting: "It's not necessarily about recruiting all the time, it's about what you do with what you have." lol....Ok coach, so not going well then, huh?
It is great to hear that this class is getting respect and praise even from Big Ten rivals really, and Ferns did look pretty good in the segment that they showed. If everything holds together, I don't see much reason why we wouldn't be "smiling for the next four years", as he put it.
As someone who became a Michigan fan in 2007 (you know, right before The Horror), I can honestly say that this is the most excited I've been about the football team in my (admittedly short) fandom. What really gets me about Ferns is the whole t-shirt and team 135 thing, the way our recruiting classes band together and aggressively recruit other people is astounding. I can't help but wonder if other universities are as fortunate as we.
He moves well, is athletic, and has the size of a BCS linebacker right now...very excited. I really liked how fluid, athletic, and well put together he looks for his age.
Urban wanted him but didn't get him...god I love hearing that.
Get used to it!!!
I have met Ferns in person - he is by no means skinny. The word ROCK comes to mind. I have never seen a high school junior built like him.
I know everyone is crazy about the Peppers commit and the potential of Hand joining this class and they should be; HOWEVA, I feel that Ferns will be a highly successful player at UM. I am every bit as excited about this LB as any other commit to include Peppers. This kid planted a Michigan flag early in his recruiting process and didn't bat an eye with Urban and Saban came calling. He is going to be great....starter or starter like minutes his second year. He doesn't have to worry about adding 20 lbs during a redshirt season. Another full year of high school ball will see him add 5-10lbs and be at 240 next fall. Great future!
I don't think Ferns starts for a while, as good as he is. Our two starters this fall will be a soph and a junior, with two sophs backing them up. In 2014 (Ferns's frosh year) those starters will still be here, and in 2015 Ross and Bolden will both be seniors (and RJS) with Gedeon and possibly McCray (if he's not a SAM) waiting in the wings). It's possible he gets himself into the rotation his second year and then starts as a junior and senior.
We're going to have a pretty serious logjam at LB for the next few years. There's the entrenched starters: JMFR, Desmond Morgan, JRIII and sitting right behind them are guys like Joe Bolden, RJS, Mike McCray, Cam Gordon, Ben Gedeon, and one day Ferns. Every one of those guys had 4* in high school except JMFR and Morgan..who are both solid starters. LB will be a position of strength for a long time
Are they the same ones recruiting the linebackers? Then, yeah.