The 2012 class of California quarterbacks is as strong as ever, with talent coming from every part of the state. One of the more under the radar quarterbacks is Bakersfield Ridgeview’s Tyler Ferguson.
Though the season has been Ferguson’s first as the full-time starter, he had quite the showing at camps this past summer, standing out at both the L.A. Nike Football Training Camp at USC and the Stanford Elite 11 camp and earning MVP honors at the Passing Down SoCal regional. That momentum has carried into the season, as Ferguson has led the Ridgeview Wolf Pack to a 6-0 start, including a 28-0 shutout versus cross-town rival East Bakersfield. “The team has been together since we were sophomores. Everyone has the same mindset to win valley.”
What has the recruiting process been like for the 6’5”, 200 lb. prototypical quarterback? “Nonexistent,” says Ferguson. Considering his ideal size, smooth passing, and good academics (3.3 GPA), it comes as a bit of a surprise that his phone isn’t ringing more. San Jose State presented him with an offer, but things have since fizzled out; Utah is showing interest in signing a second quarterback and continues to send letters to Ferguson.
“Since I only became the starter at the end of last season, I didn’t have the stats, so no one really knows about me,” he said.
However, Ferguson has used his situation as an opportunity to work harder and improve even more as a player.
“I haven’t really had much of a social life at all. I’ve been going to the gym a lot, trying to gain weight. I’ve also improved on my decision-making and leadership. I didn’t carry myself the right way before, but now I play with confidence.”
On the field, his numbers have been solid (988 yards for 9 touchdowns and 4 interceptions), especially considering that the offense is about 50-50 run pass. Looking forward, Ferguson is hoping for the opportunity to play at any school that runs a pro-style offense.
“I’m interested in any school that runs a pro-style offense, really. It doesn’t matter if it’s an SEC school or a WAC school. I feel like if a college will give me a chance…well, I think it would be a good risk for them to take.”
Particular schools of interest: San Jose State, San Diego State, USC, Fresno State Michigan, Northwestern, Iowa, Stanford, SMU, Georgia, Houston, North Carolina State, Idaho
Below are highlights from Ferguson's first three games of the season: