FOOTBALL: Will We See Many Freshman Playing This Season?

BIG RAPIDS - It's early, but there are some newcomers making quite an impact already for Ferris State University on the gridiron.

Normally, the Bulldogs bring in freshmen who pretty much no there is an automatic redshirt year to come with the focus being more toward the future rather than the present. But, times may be changing for freshmen in the sport of football. Increasingly, these rookies are coming in better equipped to play right away in the GLIAC and do not necessarily require that redshirt season.

Some changes that have taken place with Ferris' roster could open the door for several freshmen, potentially, to be heard from sooner rather than later in their careers.

In Saturday's scrimmage, several freshman opened some eyes with their performances at Top Taggart Field. Three freshman, in particular, garnered some attention from the crowd and other observers as Alan Freeman, Skyler Stoker (pictured) and Troy McClary were among those young guys who had some impressive moments on the turf.

Throughout the preseason, and even prior to that (after the announcement of his recruiting class), Ferris head coach Jeff Pierce has talked about the speed he believes he has attracted to the program - speed he feels could change the way this team plays in the years to come.

Speed is nice, but speed with skill is great.

We've seen flashes of that skill to go along with the speed and that could create some great moments, offensively, this fall for a Ferris that is going to need a productive offense.

Also, on offense, there are some redshirt freshmen like Arshaun Hall, a running back, and Tyler Thomas, a receiver, who are among those who could be heard from.

So, don't write off these freshmen as guys who are just going to sit back, watch and learn.These rookies, and other young guys, are determined to be heard from.