Football

September 3, 2010

Pushing forward

Jamonte Pryor, Ferris

WR/CB Jamonte Pryor is one of several new starters in 2010.

Click Here for more photos from Ferris' football practice.

By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director

JERSEY CITY –Few teams in Hudson County have undergone more change this offseason than Ferris.

Coming off a disappointing 4-6 season, the Bulldogs have a completely revamped roster with eight new starters on both sides of the ball. They also have a new head coach in former Dickinson head man Rich Glover who took over in June after Wilbur Valdez left to take the head job at Union City. Glover brings with him a whole new system as they shift from a Wing-T offense to the spread.

“It might be a difficult (adjustment) for the players because they have to learn our system,” said Glover a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. “Overall I think they have picked it up. Now it’s really about them having confidence in themselves and executing it.”

Despite winning 22 games over the past four seasons, the Bulldogs don’t have a state playoff appearance to show for it. Returning to the North 2, Group III tournament that has eluded them would be huge for a team lacking in experience, but not in motivation.

“That’s a big chip (after) falling short,” RB/CB Zikim Williams said. “On top of that we lost the coach that got us there. We’ve got to get over the hump now.”

Offensive Overview:

Shamoir Griffin, Ferris

Former Dickinson Ram Shamoir Griffin joins a crowded backfield at Ferris.

The Bulldogs have a three-headed monster at running back with Williams, Patrick Hester and Shamoir Griffin. Glover called the trio the strength of his roster and with good reason. Williams is a speed back and Hester gives the Bulldogs a bigger runner. Griffin, a transfer from Dickinson, can run both inside and outside and has a familiarity with Glover’s offense.

“It helps a lot because (Shamoir) understands our offense,” Glover said. “He knows the offense and he’s a good player.”

Senior Emmanuel Thomas takes over at quarterback after playing receiver a year ago. He’ll have plenty of targets to throw to with receivers Enrique Pryor, Jamonte Pryor and Sykee Haskins in addition to tight ends Isamel Rodriguez and Sean Lee.

Senior Scott Lee is an intimidating presence at left tackle and a returning starter. He anchors a line which features Rashawn Washington at right tackle, Kassiem Outlaw Jr. at left guard and David Williams at right guard.

Defensive Overview:

Scott Lee, Ferris

Senior Scott Lee is an anchor at defensive tackle for the Bulldogs.

Glover has preached versatility in the Bulldogs’ 4-4 defense, ensuring that most of his players are capable of playing multiple positions on the field.

“Everybody’s got to know more than one spot with me,” Glover said. “If someone gets hurt you might be (elsewhere).

“We can do a couple of different things with the kids. It helps us a lot.”

Scott Lee  is a returning starter at defensive tackle and will be joined on the line by Outlaw, David Williams and Rodriguez.

Sean Lee is a returning starter at outside linebacker. Derek Hewitt will start on the other end with Griffin in the middle.

Zakim Williams leads a deep group at cornerback as Enrique Pryor, Jamonte Pryor, Haskins and Hester should all see action at the position. Junior Marquise Staggert starts at free safety.

Star Spotlight: Zikim Williams, RB/CB

Zikim Williams, Ferris

Being just 5-foot-6 doesn't stop Zikim Williams from running inside.

Most running backs as small as Ferris’ Zikim Williams like to avoid running inside the tackles. The 5-foot-6 senior is certainly the exception, displaying a fearlessness that is a necessity when running into the teeth of the opposing defense.

“That’s the most important thing to have as a running back,” said Williams who considers his fearlessness to be his greatest strength.  “You can’t be scared, especially as a running back. You’ve got to be fearless.”

Williams looks at LaDainian Tomlinson as well as the Chargers’ 5-foot-6 running back Darren Sproles as players he models his game after. Like Sproles, Williams doesn’t let his height be a concern once he steps on the field.

“When I get the ball, I don’t worry about my size,” Williams said. “That’s the last thing on my mind. That’s not even on my mind when I run the ball. When I run the ball, I’ve just got to make plays for my team.”

Williams can also use his speed to create plays on the outside and feels the Bulldogs’ new spread offense should help create more space for him to work with.