The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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ever, thing moved quickly. By the time Speight joined Ferns on Na- tional Signing Day 2013, he started a run that would see the Maize and Blue pick up 11 of the eventual 16 signees by the end of May. That run of recruiting success included five- star defensive back Jabrill Peppers, three more four-star prospects, five three-stars and two-star defensive tackle Brady Pallante. For a player who had invested so much into his future school's recruiting success, it was a wild ride — and also a relief — for Ferns. "It was fun; I helped a lot of peo- ple through the process," he said. "By being there enough and being around the recruiting part of it, I got to determine the kind of people to be with the rest of my career there. That's probably the best part of be- ing part of taking in the recruiting aspect of it." St. Clairsville head coach Brett McLean was not surprised in the least to see his standout player at- tract other players to Michigan. After all, his leadership for the Red Devils was one reason Ferns was able to contribute as a true freshman, and lead the team to the state title game during his junior year. "I know he kind of became one of their best recruiters up there," McLean said with a chuckle. "That's nice, and I think he, at the end of the day, has a positive demeanor and that attracts people to him. I can see with top-of-the-line athletes and kids, they probably gravitated to that because he's an exceptional person, that's for sure. Everything about him: character, intelligence and athletic ability was just the full package. "The whole reason I wanted guys to come is, outside of being great athletes, they're great guys to be around," Ferns echoed. "I think we'll be more productive being friends than if it's just a class full of ath- letes. That's why I think we've been so successful, and we'll continue on through the schooling part of it and the football part of it, because we know each other so well. It's a lot nicer playing alongside someone who you care about than someone who's just the next position over from you." That leadership role took on a new character during Ferns' senior sea- son. He separated his shoulder early in the year, limiting his ability to con- tribute on the field. With Michigan's recruiting class pretty much com- plete — Ferns stayed in touch with some top prospects, but none of them ended up committing to Michigan af- ter in-state linebacker Jared Wangler pulled the trigger Aug. 9 — he was left without two of the biggest outlets for his athletic and social talents. "He was having his best year, and going into week five, he separated his shoulder, and it was something that nagged him the rest of the sea- son," McLean said. "That was hard for him because of his expectations of being a four-year starter and being a Michigan recruit, having that media attention. I think it weighed heavy on him, but he did a great job of be- ing a senior leader. It was more of a defensive assistant coach this year in the latter half of the season."