Tyler Ferguson entered the 2011 football season with something to prove. After shining in camps and combines throughout the summer, he was anxious to show colleges and scouts that he has what it takes to quarterback a team at the next level. By Week 7, the Wolf Pack was still undefeated, but during that game, Ferguson broke his collar bone.
Luckily, he's been able to rebound and he made his post-injury debut last week in a semi-finals win, where he went 5/5 for 100 yards and guaranteed that his team will play this weekend in the Valley Championship game. However, to Ferguson, it's more than just an undefeated season; he's still on the search to find the team he'll play for next season.
When Ridgeview gets out for the winter break on December 23, Ferguson will be eligible to immediately enroll at a college in order to participate in spring ball. He also took a visit (albeit, an unofficial one) to visit the Idaho Vandals when they played Nevada this past weekend. At the game, Ferguson had a chance to spend time with the coaches, especially with Jason Gesser. The Vandals are looking to bring in two quarterbacks in the 2012 class and already have a verbal commit from Idaho QB Chad Chalich. It's the other spot that's a bit tricky.
Idaho has extended an offer to Redlands East Valley QB Austin DeCoud, who will be taking his official visit to the Vandals this week. Should DeCoud commit, Ferguson's courtship with Idaho will be over. If he doesn't, Ferguson could likely be a Vandal come January.
"I haven't been to Idaho yet, the game was in Reno, but I liked it a lot. They were telling me that I should be able to compete for the job next year. They are losing two seniors and will have two juniors next year, so I'll either redshirt next year or compete for the starting job. I like that a lot."
In the meantime, Ferguson is keeping all options open, regardless of proximity to California, and has new interest in Boston College and in UNLV (who, ironically, has also offered DeCoud).
"Both schools haven't signed a quarterback yet. I could see myself playing at both. With UNLV, I have a lot of family who lives in Las Vegas, and it's only four hours away from home. BC plays in a big-time conference, the ACC, so that would be cool, and the distance doesn't bother me at all."
After the championship game this weekend, Ferguson will have one more chance to showcase his skills alongside California's best in the Cal-State Rising Stars All-Star Game.
Senior season highlights below*
*note: Ferguson attends Ridgeview HS, not Bakersfield HS as written.