Monday, July 12, 2010

2010 Countdown: #53 John Ferrara


Name: John Ferrara
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 283 lbs.
High school: Monsignor Farrell High School in Staten Island, NY
Position: Offensive guard
Class: Fifth year senior
Jersey number: #74
Last year: I said Ferrara would be a backup offensive guard and wouldn't play much. He started 1 game at offensive guard but was a regular contributor on special teams.

Ferrara is one of those character guys whose versatility will be missed. In his first two years on campus, he played defensive tackle. Despite having earned playing time at DT as a redshirt freshman, he volunteered to play offensive guard when numbers on the offensive side started to dwindle. He started five games in 2008, but was relegated to backup duty by Steve Schilling's move from right tackle to left guard. Last season he started against Eastern Michigan, but most of his value was derived from his blocking on special teams.

Unfortunately for Ferrara, he'll be standing next to Greg Frey on the sideline again this year. Schilling and Patrick Omameh have locked down the guard positions, and last year the coaches seemed interested in getting playing time for developing youngsters like Elliott Mealer and Ricky Barnum. Ferrara will likely be helping out on special teams again this year and might get a cameo or two if scores get out of hand. But he's a very solid backup in case any injuries occur.

Prediction for 2010: Third string offensive guard, special teams contributor

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