Ferns injury
- Thread starter VaultHunter
- Start date
Im going to start blaming the new field surface and removal of the crown for all the knee injuries (not really but gotta blame something dang it)
I disagree. B.Ferns is the highest-ranked LB recruit ever at WVU. He was thought by many recruiting services to be the prize of our 2016 class. He was already moved up to the 2s and by all accounts was having a "great" camp. It's possible he might have even been a starter before end of the season. Even so, it takes away the opportunity for valuable experience for him. So, although he can redshirt, I think the idea was that he'd step in as a starter next season at one of the spots. Coming off rehab and no chance to get experience on the field, it certainly sets him back for next year. I really hope for BFerns and for our team that he has a great recovery and kicks butt next year, but it's a big blow.
He's got a redshirt and he was running around #3 at his position. It's not a big deal.
He's got a redshirt and he was running around #3 at his position. It's not a big deal.
He's a freshman who would have spent a lot his time getting run over due to the speed of the game and having to deal with stronger faster players for most of the season, especially in conference. For a lot dominant HS players that will shatter their confidence. Look at Durante from the start of the conference season on last year.
It's not like he's a Butkus Award candidate and returning All-American. Just an unknown quantity at linebacker. Sitting and watching while he gains the strength to play at this level could be the best thing to happen to him. The kid's confidence and future is more important than throwing him to the dogs to get pounded to save the HC.
It's not like he's a Butkus Award candidate and returning All-American. Just an unknown quantity at linebacker. Sitting and watching while he gains the strength to play at this level could be the best thing to happen to him. The kid's confidence and future is more important than throwing him to the dogs to get pounded to save the HC.
@MikeRafone --
You bring up some good points, but if someone is good enough to play as a true freshman (example: Dravon Henry), you play him. Brendan Ferns wasn't being thrown to the wolves- kid is a baller and by our own DC's (Gibson's) account of things, was mentally and physically ready to contribute this year. At 6-2 230lbs - wasn't gonna get run over or just thrown in to save a coach. He proved it in camp according to players and coaches.
But, he's out for the year now and nothing we can do about it. The kid will learn more and hopefully will come back even stronger.
You bring up some good points, but if someone is good enough to play as a true freshman (example: Dravon Henry), you play him. Brendan Ferns wasn't being thrown to the wolves- kid is a baller and by our own DC's (Gibson's) account of things, was mentally and physically ready to contribute this year. At 6-2 230lbs - wasn't gonna get run over or just thrown in to save a coach. He proved it in camp according to players and coaches.
But, he's out for the year now and nothing we can do about it. The kid will learn more and hopefully will come back even stronger.
I agree about playing the best guy in most cases, but he would be dealing with linemen all season. Coming straight out of HS that's a tough row to hoe for 12-13 games. My concern with a true freshman linebacker is durability in the long haul. In college you see linemen that are intent on, and capable of taking you out on every play. Plus they're over 50 pounds heavier than you are, stronger, and many nearly as fast. In HS you may see a handful of those guys a season if you play in a quality league. In college, the opposition is stacked three deep with those kind of guys, all chomping at the bit to get at a true freshman on the other side of the ball.
With DB's and WR's it's different, they don't take the pounding that linemen and LB's do, nor are the guys they deal with play in and play out anywhere near as big or strong.
I'm old fashioned. Linemen and LB's should redshirt , IMO. The positions are too tough on the body and there's a huge difference between a 23 y.o. and an 18 y.o. in physical maturity and strength.
You're right, his injury is a done deal. I honestly think it's a blessing in disguise, though I'm sure it's disappointing for him. Knee injuries aren't the career killers they were 25 years ago. Rehab, put some quality muscle on, watch tape, and get ready for next year. I think it could be a big one for him.
With DB's and WR's it's different, they don't take the pounding that linemen and LB's do, nor are the guys they deal with play in and play out anywhere near as big or strong.
I'm old fashioned. Linemen and LB's should redshirt , IMO. The positions are too tough on the body and there's a huge difference between a 23 y.o. and an 18 y.o. in physical maturity and strength.
You're right, his injury is a done deal. I honestly think it's a blessing in disguise, though I'm sure it's disappointing for him. Knee injuries aren't the career killers they were 25 years ago. Rehab, put some quality muscle on, watch tape, and get ready for next year. I think it could be a big one for him.
