MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In August 2016, freshman four-star recruit Brendan Ferns began taking reps with West Virginia’s first-string defense. He called home excited about the possibility of being the starting Mike linebacker for the upcoming opener against Missouri.
Two days later, he tore his left ACL and the season was lost.
Ferns subsequently suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in 2017 and another torn ACL in the spring of 2018, injuries that led him to contemplate stepping away from football. Last week, after participating in one spring practice and not feeling the zip in his legs, Ferns gave up the game. In a tweet Wednesday, he told fans just as he had informed coaches the previous week.
Concern over how debilitating a third ACL injury might be ultimately made the decision easy.
Ferns is not a kid who needs football. With a 4.0 GPA in accounting, he will receive his degree in May. His plan is to pursue a master’s in the same field with designs on attending law school.
In Episode 68 of “The Sweet Spot with A.T.” podcast, we discuss how Ferns’ departure impacts the linebacking unit.
In a eulogy to a basketball season gone wrong, we discuss the roster revamping. [Hint: Junior guard Chase Harler says he plans to return.]
Plus, we talk recruiting in “Keenan’s Official Visit” and delve into the always unrehearsed “Hick in a Box.”