Senior Spotlight: Jaidyn Ferguson, Byrnes
Byrnes senior defensive end Jaidyn Ferguson is looking to score his first collegiate offer in his senior year.
Byrnes senior defensive end Jaidyn Ferguson is widely regarded as one of the most talented defensive players in the Upstate. Yet somehow, Ferguson doesn’t carry any college offers to his name. He’s aiming to change that this year.
Greer Sports Star had the chance to sit down with Ferguson this week to talk last Friday’s game at T.L. Hanna, how Ferguson’s lack of offers is fueling him, and his goals for his senior season and beyond.
Greer Sports Star (GSS): To start, what are your overall thoughts after Friday’s game at T.L. Hanna? Coming so close to a comeback win and falling just short — how do you recover from that as a team?
Jaidyn Ferguson (JF): That was definitely a hard game. We knew going into it, we were going to have to work hard and win the mental battle with those guys. Toward the end, we were really just trying to play as hard as we can and make the comeback. On the defensive side of the ball, we executed a lot of things. Still, there were a lot of things we could have done better. As a defensive line, we could’ve got our hands on the offensive line better. As a whole unit, we struggled in letting them get to the secondary. As for our offense, I can’t speak for them, but what I do know is they fought their guts out at the end.
GSS: Going into a game next week against Irmo, one of the best offenses — and A.J. Brand, one of the best quarterbacks — in the state, what are you expecting to see out of them? What sort of challenges might they present?
JF: We’re expecting to see a lot of outside runs… I know they have a very good quarterback [senior Virginia Tech commit A.J. Brand] and wide receiver [junior Donovan Murph, with 25 Power 5 Offers.] I’m just ready to get in the backfield and wreak havoc so my DBs and safeties don’t have to deal with that.
GSS: What is your biggest personal goal for your senior season?
JF: My main goal is really to get my first college offer on the board. I’m just tired of getting asked ‘How come you don’t have any offers yet?’ by people who see me play. They know I’m deserving and I do too. I’m trying to double my stats from last year so it’s impossible for people to ignore me. I want to make my name pop out.
Against T.L. Hanna on Friday, August 23, Ferguson tallied 2.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. He was a dominant force for Byrnes' defensive line, wreaking constant havoc in Hanna's backfield.
GSS: When did you first fall in love with football?
JF: It’s funny, the first time I played football was in the third grade, and I actually quit. I quit in the middle of the season because I didn’t love the idea of hitting somebody. But then in middle school, all of my friends decided that they were going to try out. I went to tryouts with them, and I fell in love with football there. Playing with my friends back then at D.R. Hill [Middle School] that’s what made me come to love the game so much.
GSS: What are some things you enjoy doing outside of football?
JF: I love listening to music, going out with friends, going out to eat with family — things like that. Even when it has nothing to do with football, I just enjoy spending time with those close to me.
GSS: What is your favorite game/moment from your career at Byrnes so far?
JF: I’d say my sophomore year — first round of the playoffs. Chris Foster and Caleb Melton had gotten injured before our first playoff game against Hillcrest. It was a really scary situation. Coach [Reggie] Shaw called me up from JV right before that game, and I ended up getting the game-winning sack. To this day, my coaches always use that game as an example of “being ready when your time comes.”
GSS: What are your plans after you graduate high school?
JF: Well, if I don’t get any offers, I’m kind of undecided. I’ve thought about learning a trade and making money that way. But ultimately, I really want to continue playing football for a college somewhere.
Catch Jaidyn and the Rebels in action this Friday at 7:30 as Byrnes travels to face Irmo. The Rebels will go into a bye week after that before renewing their rivalry with Greer on Sept. 13.
GSS: Who is your favorite NFL player to watch?
JF: All-time, I would say Von Miller. But right now, I love watching Micah Parsons play. Maxx Crosby, too. I also really like the rookie the Indianapolis Colts just drafted, [defensive end] Laiatu Latu.
GSS: Favorite restaurant to eat after a game?
JF: Honestly, Waffle House. But if Waffle House isn’t open, contrary to popular belief, I’ll go for a good burger at Burger King. Or if I can, I’ll sneak a Chic-fil-A Sandwich and Macaroni from the pregame meal on the bus and save it for after the game.
GSS: What will you miss the most about playing for Byrnes?
JF: I’ll miss waking up every morning knowing I have practice. The family environment here at Byrnes is part of what makes it so special, too. I’m playing football with guys I’ve grown up with since elementary school. And I’ll miss seeing all the coaches every day. They’ve always pushed me to new heights and pushed me to perform to the best of my ability.