RECRUITING: Ferrell Breaks Down Tigers vs. Gators

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Tallahassee linebacker Willie Ferrell fired up about weekend showdown

by Daniel Mingea III
Tiger Rag Recruiting Analyst

Read Mingea’s recruiting blog on NOLA.com…

One of LSU’s future linebackers is Willie Ferrell out of Florida A&M High School. Ferrell reigns from Gator Country by chance and not by choice. That was made obvious through Ferrell’s words in his previous interview with TigerRag.com as he stated he would rather see Miami win than Florida.

This weekend the head-hunting linebacker’s eyes will be glued to his television-set as his team, the LSU Tigers, head to Gainesville to take on the Florida Gators.

“That’s going to be a game, but you know we’re (LSU) going to try to take it to them,” Ferrell stated. “I think Florida is going to give LSU a fight in the beginning of the game, but then LSU is going to pull away with it in the third and fourth quarters.

“LSU will probably open up with a little running on offense and then turn to some play action opening up the passing game,” Ferrell continued. “I haven’t paid much attention to Florida this season, but from what I did see they haven’t been playing as a team. And they’ve been turning the ball over quite a bit over the past few weeks.”

With that said, some believe LSU’s weakness may come from their quarterback situation as none of the three have played in a venue such as Florida’s.

“I feel like LSU is still going to do their thing no matter what environment they’re playing in,” Ferrell responded. “I think (Jarrett) Lee will be able to keep his composure and LSU is going to come out on top.”

Ferrell is the 26th-rated inside linebacker by Rivals.com.

Before the festivities for the big game begin on Saturday night, the three-star linebacker will first have to take care of his team’s business. However, Ferrell will have to do so from the sideline as he suffered an ankle injury during practice caused by one of his offensive lineman during practice.

“We have a game this week, but I will not be dressing out,” Ferrell informed. “I kind of have a minor ankle injury. So I’ll be calling the defensive plays during the game. I’m still going to workout this week at practice; I’m just not going to dress for the game.

“The team (Aucilla Christian [2-3]) we are playing is a team we usually beat 60-0,” Ferrell added. “My injury occurred like three weeks ago and I’ve been playing through it, but this week we felt it was best for the team if I gave it some rest.”

Last Friday night was one of the nights Ferrell played through the pain and coincidentally there was a visitor in the stands.

“Last week I had 15 solo tackles and six assists,” Ferrell said. “Coach (Josh) Henson was there, but I didn’t know it at first. One of my teammates spotted him in the stands and told me.”

Did Henson’s presences add a little fire to Ferrell’s performance?

“Not at all,” Ferrell answered. “He doesn’t have to be there and I’m still going to do my thing. I come out playing hard every game.”

Note: Ferrell has started for Florida A&M High School since the 7th grade making him a six-year starter which is a school record. He is also on pace to set a record for tackles in a season.