FOOTBALL: Defensive Backs Ready To Compete For Bulldogs Against Good Competition

BIG RAPIDS - On any given weekend, defensive backs oftentimes are matched up with some of the most talented athletes on the field.

This season, head coach Jeff Pierce and his Ferris State University defense will be tested early and often as it battles against some powerful offenses with explosive potential through the air. Obviously, the defensive line will have to do its part to get some pressure on the quarterbacks and find other ways to throw the opposition off stride (whether it's through blitzing, clogging passing lanes or something else). We know that Duane Wilson, the defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, will work to cook something up for opposing offensive coordinators.

But, coming out of the Bulldogs first scrimmage of the season, last Saturday, the defensive backs showed a willingness to get out there and play tough against their offensive counterparts.

Veterans like cornerback Angelo Williams, safety C.J. Lee and safety Santino Favot will be among the experienced guys hoping to keep opposing offenses under control. At one of the corner spots, however, the Bulldogs have some big shoes to fill with the loss of Terrell Heggins, who was one of the league's best. Up-and-coming and talented Russell Weatherspoon (in the white jersey going stride for stride with receiver Mike Ryan), however, has showed signs of being one of those young guys perhaps ready to take an up-for-grabs starting spot.

There are some others in the defensive secondary who could be heard from, including Zach Rosman, Cody Groulx, Jonathan Bryant and Jamar Slade.

With a young group, that is battling some significant injuries right now, there could be some highs and lows with this group. But, don't ever doubt this unit's competitiveness and willingness to get after it on the field.

But, going against an experienced group of good receivers in practice every day should benefit these guys (if they can stay healthy) when the season starts.