Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, September 6, 1995 TAG: 9509060132
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Lorenzo Ferguson, a 6-foot-2, 196-pound defensive back from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, is one of six players to have committed to Tech before playing the first game in their senior year.
The Hokies also have received a commitment from Sean Ruffing, a 6-foot, 195-pound outside linebacker and slot back from Downington (Pa.) High School, a finalist in last year's Pennsylvania state playoffs.
``It seems to be the trend,'' Western Branch coach Lew Johnston said. ``Virginia was [Ferguson's] first love, but he went up to Blacksburg in the spring and realized over the last three or four months that Tech was the place for him.''
Ferguson, who has been timed in 4.5 seconds for 40 yards, played strong safety last year and has moved this year to free safety. That is his projected position in college.
``He's equally strong against the run and pass,'' Johnston said. ``It was unfortunate that he had to live in [North Carolina-bound] Dre Bly's shadow the last two seasons, but he's proved his mettle to us.''
Ferguson was listed 17th on The Roanoke Times preseason list of the top prospects in the state. His teammates, running back Shyrone Stith and linebacker Malik Cook, are also considered Division I-A prospects.
``If push came to shove and Shyrone had to make a decision right now, I think he would go to Tech,'' Johnston said. ``It's going to be interesting when he finds out about [Ferguson].''
Johnston said Ferguson is in good shape academically, but has not taken the Scholastic Assessment Test. Ruffing had close to 1,000 on the SAT, Downington coach John Barr said.
Temple had offered a scholarship to Ruffing, who also had attracted the interest of North Carolina, Georgia Tech and Wake Forest.
``He scored nine touchdowns last year and probably didn't have more than 15 or 20 carries,'' Barr said, ``but his statistics aren't reflective of his value.
Tech likes Ruffing as a cornerback. Ruffing is one of four Pennsylvanians among Tech's six commitments.
by CNB