Interview: Prolific 4-Star 2021 Colorado TE/WR Terrance Ferguson Talks Season and Recruiting
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
For Colorado high school teams having to line up against Heritage High School, well, it is just unfair with what they have to deal with on the gridiron. There is no true answer for Class of 2021 receiver/tight end Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson is a matchup nightmare taking the field at 6-foot 5-inches weighing 220 pounds. Corners and safeties are not able to keep up in one-on-one showdowns, and sometimes even with three defenders hanging on him. Ferguson’s play on the field last season was one of the best performances in Colorado and that effort made him one of the top recruits in his class.
Before laying out the stat line, trivia question time: What type of year does one have to have to earn second team MaxPreps All-American, All-Conference, and Conference Player of the Year? For Ferguson, he landed a 69-reception ,972-yard, nine-touchdown season ripping apart 4A defenses for the honors. The Eagles posted an 8-3 season in 2018 and are off to a 1-1 start with defensive coordinators doing everything they can to keep the four-star recruit from impacting the game. But, that has not stopped him from securing nine passes for 184 yards and a score.
As one might have guessed, the hands, the speed, and the production the Littleton native has is not lost on college programs. Ferguson holds nine offers all from SEC, Pac-12, and Big Ten programs.
In an RNG exclusive interview, I sat down with one of the best tight ends in the nation covering his growth on the field from over the offseason with a briefing on his recruiting process.
Interview
Terrance, there are so many exciting aspects to your game to talk about. Of them all, is there an area people don’t mention often or ask about that you feel is a strength to your game on the field?
“My blocking. I would now say that my route running is a lot better. I have better speed now than I did last year.”
Now that I don’t feel guilty for asking questions you’ve heard a couple of hundred times, your hands are exceptional. How have you developed your hands over time?
“I’ve been working on that for a long time. I could not catch well when I was younger, I was an offensive lineman growing up. When I was younger, my dad would take me out back and throw darts at me. Together we worked on it every day after school. We worked with tennis balls, all kinds of things to develop my hands.”
Your speed is deceptive, what is the fastest 40-yard dash you’ve posted?
“My fastest is a laser timed 4.83.”
Your size works, but you can also jump. What is your vertical?
“I have a 28-inch vertical.”
Putting it all together, what do you feel are the overall strengths to your game that makes you one of the nation’s top recruits in the 2021 class?
“My hands, definitely. My God given size and athleticism are strengths. My knowledge for the game, knowing where I need to be and knowing the coverages I am facing are strengths. I can go get the jump ball and I am strong at attacking the ball in the air. I will put my nose into someone too.”
What did you focus on over the summer months with your game?
“The major things I focused on were speed, quickness, route running, and getting stronger. One of our coaches who played college ball, we worked on speed training over the summer and my route running.”
You’ve started out blistering defenses in two games with 184 yards and a score. How are the coaches getting you the ball this season?
“They are doing it in a lot of different than from last season. Teams are double teaming and bracketing me. I am moving around from receiver to tight end, to running back, and to slot to get rid of double-teams so I can get the ball.”
A turn towards recruiting. How many offers do you hold?
“I have nine offers. My last was from Nebraska before the CU (Colorado) game.”
Ferguson’s Offer Sheet: Arkansas, Colorado, Iowa, LSU, Nebraska, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, and USC
At which position are most of the offers coming in at, tight end or receiver?
“I am receiving offers as a tight end but more of a flex tight end. I will be route running and blocking.”
Are you excited about playing tight end at the next level?
“Yeah. I am super excited. The way most of the teams would use me, I am excited about it. I will be going out at wide receiver and playing some in the slot. It’ll be fun to matchup against a linebacker instead of corner. I will be versatile playing everywhere in college.”
Which schools are showing recruiting activity but have not offered yet?
“Utah, Washington, UCLA, Northwestern, N.C. State, Louisville, South Carolina, and Florida.”
Did you visit any programs over the offseason?
“Yes. I took three visits; LSU, Arkansas and CU.”
In order. How did the LSU trip turn out?
“It went well. We went out there after our flight was delayed. I liked it. I liked the culture there and how they use their tight ends. LSU does not use a traditional tight end in their new offense. Their coaches did a great job with me and my dad when we went down there. I enjoyed it.”
And Arkansas, how did that visit go?
“We drove out there, my mom, dad and I. That was the first visit we took. That was before I had any offers. It was unreal going to a D-I school seeing how big the facilities are. I liked the culture and family feel Arkansas had. Their head coach was down to earth, all of them were down to earth and easy to talk to. They have a strong culture there. Coach Will Bryant and Coach (Barry) Lunney (TE) did an amazing job showing us around and being involved in our visit.”
I can’t pass up asking about the in-state visit. How did the CU trip go?
“That went well. I went there for a practice. Watching their practice was really cool. Coach (Mel) Tucker (head coach) was emphasizing keeping the physical nature of the game. Seeing everything they go through for a practice was cool.”
Are you getting out this fall for any game day visits?
“As of right now, no. Things are hard for us right now and hard to find time during the season. We’d love to go watch some games.”
Terrance, it was great covering so much ground with you today. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Eagles success this season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Ferguson family; Terrance Ferguson at LSU and Arkansas