Expect The UnexpectedFerrum In A Strong Position To Contend

As we draw closer to kickoff of the 2017 season, I think back to the successes of 2016, and what is being built here. The turn around of last season signaled a beginning of what I feel like is the development of a winning program, but I have felt like that this may be a process to get to the conference title.....a process that may take about 5 seasons.

Over the last few days, I have been reviewing the rosters of the teams in the USA South. Like last year, Ferrum will have many obstacles along the road that leads to the conference title, but it seems to me that the road may not be quite as steep this year. In fact I think you can look legitimately at Ferrum as a serious contender for the title.
First of all, Ferrum has a strong contingent of returning players. Among those are Brian Mann, Montel Lee, Johnny White, and Jordan Patti just to name a few. While there are areas of concern, I like what I see coming back for Ferrum, and believe that with a good fall camp, Ferrum will be ready to answer all challengers this season.

Ferrum's number one priority will be replacing Harvey Taylor. Fortunately, this job can be handled by several capable players on the roster. Look for Tyler English to get the starting nod, but he will likely be in stiff competition from incoming Freshman Tyrez Welch. Welch could also be utilized as a Wide Receiver, should he be needed. So while Harvey Taylor's graduation left a big hole, I see Ferrum as stacked in the quarterback position.....and this will likely be a manageable transition.

Another area that concerns me is the defensive secondary. While Ferrum only lost one person in the secondary (LaDonald Byrd), the stats from 2016 were not all that great to say the least. This will, to me be the number one defensive priority for the Panthers.  Look for incoming Freshman Shemar Butts (Menchville H.S.) to get in on the action this year, along with Kendall Bell from Woodside H.S. in Newport News. This part of the Defensive Unit has to improve substantially for Ferrum to seriously contend. Recently, Elijah Anderson from Warwick H.S. has committed to Ferrum. Anderson has played on both sides of the ball, but may be used as a defensive back.

The next priority for Ferrum is to sure up the linebacker corps. Graduation took  Tony Konieczka, Jabber Coward, and Lance Moore, but the good news is that there are 7 potential returners from last year's roster. In addition to the talent on the bench, you may see the aforementioned Kendall Bell in a roll as linebacker if needed.

Along the line of scrimmage, Ferrum's losses were not all that bad. I look for both the O & D lines to be solid, and deep with talent. Look for Cullen King to assume the duties of Punter after the graduation of Tyler Morgan.

So, all in all, I think Ferrum is in very good shape this year. It will not be easy, but the Panthers have a lot to build on from 2016. Look for them to be in contention throughout the season, and who knows, closing out their run in the USA South with a championship may be real possibility.