Interview: Dominating 4-Star Georgia OT Terrence Ferguson Covers Season and Visits

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG

Fans of the “Sweet Science” need not go sit outside a boxing ring to see a backyard brawl, they can head to Peach County High School to watch Class of 2021 left tackle Terrence Ferguson fight for four quarters at a time slugging it out in style. The 6-4, 300-pound, lineman takes to the field with a fighter’s mentality going at it until the bell rings, or the whistle blows, looking to wear his opponent out every time at the snap of the ball. Much like the science of boxing, Ferguson is a technician at his craft keeping his big body low, locking on and driving with a wide base mindful of his hand-placement, and looks to put defensive linemen on the canvas.

Ferguson was a key part of the Trojans run to Georgia’s 3A championship game a year ago and appear to be on pace for another run with a 6-1 record. The winning ways of Peach County and the approach to dominating the trenches Ferguson takes to the field has brought next level scouts to the Fort Valley yard. So far, 10 programs have extended offers to the four-star recruit with interest building. Along with the scholarships and continuous scouting, college programs have been eager to get his talent onto their campus.

In an RNG exclusive, I sat down with one of Georgia’s top recruits for a one-on-one covering his skills on the field and his growing recruiting process off it.

Interview

Terrence, how has the 2019 season gone so far for you?

“It is going pretty good, for me and my team. We lost one game in overtime. This season is going good for us.”

As mentioned, the team is out to a 6-1 record, how is the team looking overall?

“We look really good. I feel like the only thing that can beat us, is us. In our only loss, we had four turnovers to a 6A team and lost in overtime (32-31); we are a 3A team. We have all the tools to push to state; we can go back again.”

The offense is balanced between the pass and the run, what are you guys doing well as a group piling up the wins this year?

“We have a lot of weapons. Our quarterback, he is a freak athlete. If a defense puts pressure on him, he can get out and make it happen with legs. Our receivers are good. Our running backs, I am not sure how to explain them, but they are different. We can run three times get 15 each time and then they crowd box, then go to the air to move the ball downfield. No one is complaining about how many yards they are getting. Everyone is ready when the opportunity comes their way.”

One of the reasons why I like your game, you get after it and stay locked onto a guy until the whistle. What is your mindset on the field?

“Dominate. It is as simple as that.”

The physical strength you have shows up on your film. Do you remember any of your maxes from the offseason?

“The only one I remember is my bench; I benched 305 then.”

Nice. Which areas of your game are showing the biggest improvements?

“I pride myself on being a technician. At the next level everyone is strong and fast. Technique will win the rep for you at the next level. I can’t play down to anyone’s level. I can’t just use my strength to win reps. I have to have the right steps and right hand-placement. I have to play with the right technique.”

That’s a great approach. How are defenders attacking you trying to get past you?

“It seems like this year, most that I am going against are guys trying to speed rush on pass and run plays. They try to run outside as fast as they can.”

You are getting some snaps in on defense this year. How is that rotation into the game working?

“That is going pretty good. We have some defensive linemen who are playing a lot of offense, our tight end and right tackle. Our defensive line coach wanted to balance it out. If someone needs a breather, I will come in. I started off on goal line but our defensive coordinator wanted to see how it would be for me to play more throughout the season. Now they call me in as needed – at the 1-yard line or 50-yard line.”

Do you like playing defense?

“Yes. I am liking it.”

Of the games played so far, which has been your best game this season?

“I’d say the Mary Persons game. They beat us last year. We came out to get revenge. For me, I hate losing. I came out with a chip on my shoulder. I went until the whistle stopped every time.”

We’ve talked about your improvements, what do you now feel are the strengths to your overall game?

“My technique and my quick feet.”

Going into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?

“USC, Nebraska, Clemson, and Notre Dame.”

How many offers do you have?

“Around 20.”

Ferguson’s Reported Offers: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Indiana, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, and West Virginia

With all the offers and interest, have you visited any programs over the last few months?

“Yes. I went to Alabama two or three times, Georgia twice, and I went to Florida for the Auburn game. I also went to South Carolina and Tennessee over the summer.”

If you will, tell me how the Alabama visits went overall?

“They have been great visits each time.”

And the Georgia visits?

“Same. Each time I go, I know what to expect. I’m not sure how to explain it; nothing negative, all positive. I get to talk to the coaches each time.”

The Florida visit for the Auburn game had to be fun. How did that go?

“It went really well for my first time. I enjoyed it.”

Are there any visits ahead?

“Yes. I am going to the Alabama verses LSU game and I am going to Tennessee in a couple of weeks, but I am not sure for which game. Those are the only two scheduled visits for now.”

Terrence, it has been great covering all this ground with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Trojans success going forward.

“Thank you.”

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Photo credit: Ferguson family; Terrence Ferguson at South Carolina and Georgia