Alec Ferris is using season opener as his chance at “revenge”

For Leo Hayes linebacker, Alec Ferris, the end of vacation can’t come soon enough. With the passing of labour day means Friday, September 8th is just around the corner. The season opener is a rematch of last seasons final against the Tantramar Titans, a game both teams entered undefeated. The Lions wound up dropping  a ten point lead at half losing to the two time champs.

“That was the most exciting and disappointing game I’ve ever played in,” Ferris recalled.  “It was our first time in Provincials, and we were the underdogs. We didn’t expect to dominate, but knew it would be tough, but going into half up ten; was the best feeling in the world.”

Since the loss, the 6-foot-one, 265-pound middle linebacker had been preparing for 2o17, hoping for a chance to square off against the Titans, but regular season matchups between western and aastern Conference teams often only happen in playoffs, so learning the season opener would be his first chance to square off with them again made his summer.

“September eighth is probably one of the most important games of the year for me this year, I want to show that we can compete, and I want revenge,” he explained.

His off-season training consisted of playing provincial football, lifting weights and doing land drills to increase his speed. Already freakishly fast for a big dude, Ferris hopes his training builds the kind of explosiveness that will carry onto the field.

“Some of the hardest stuff you’ll do on the football field is getting by a good O-lineman. By training that way, on explosiveness, it pretty much gives just a shot of power to get a burst of speed to hit the line.”

Playing in a run dominant division, Ferris has developed into a plug of a run stopper. Not used to seeing many 265-pound middle linebackers, coaches underestimate his speed and game plan running to the edge. Ferris doesn’t always catch the ball carrier, but has excellent pursuit and often times makes the tackle – “surprising” opponents when they realize he caught them.

“You don’t see to many 265 linebackers and most underestimate my physicality to move. I’d say I’m quick for a big guy,” he commented.

One aspect of his game Ferris see’s needing the most work is his pass coverage. Although he took extra reps with the province’s best coaches and feels his game got better, the senior is focusing on improving all aspects of the passing game.

“I’ve got to get better at reading where the QB is going to throw, and dropping off and covering receivers is what I have to work on the most,” Ferris said.

Self described as being an ‘aggressive, but not super aggressive player’, Ferris confesses his favourite aspect of playing middle linebacker is its assurance of contact.

“It’s the best position out there, you get to hit people for fun.”

Of all his defensive roles, rushing the passer is Ferris’ passion, a skill that will be put to the test when he squares off against Tantramar Titan guard, Ryan Cadman.

“Blitzing is my number one thing to do, it’s my favourite past time in football.  I can’t wait to square up against Caddy, we have a rivalry going. I’d like to be able to get by him and chirp him after ward for it,” he said confidently.

Beyond his defensive duties, the Lions use Ferris as a running back in multiple situations, a viable threat for opposition to plan for as last year he scored 5 touchdowns. Lions head coach, Vince Sturgeon, plans on utilizing Ferris’ skills any way he can.

“He has ridiculous soft hands, he has a huge body and moves so natural, and he’s just starting to understand how good he can be. If he can improve his techniques, as he’s got all the physical talent in the world, he has the potential to be one of the top in the province,” said Coach Sturgeon.

Whether hunting QB’s or lead blocking, Ferris is aware the highest expectation of him this year is that of a team leader. Looking forward to the challenge Ferris plans to approach it similar to his mentoring of younger players last year.

“I lead by example, whatever I say I try and act on. For the newer guys part of it is teaching them what it’s like to play, the hard work and dedication it takes and to not take anyone lightly.”

Beyond this season, whether Ferris and the Lions bury the hatchet with the Titans on September 8, or no matter who wins the championship, Ferris plans on studying Kinesiology. Already having been approached at this years Canada Cup by McMaster, Waterloo, and Acadia, Ferris would consider other Ontario programs as well as all AUS teams.

Alec Ferris (#45)
Linebacker
6’1, 265lbs

Teams: Leo Hayes
Considerations: McMaster, Waterloo, Acadia, Mount Alison, SMU, St. FX
Official Visits: none
Unofficial Visits: none
Class: 2018