Report via Scout.com indicates that one of the top linebacker prospects in the country, Brendan Ferns, is set to make his college choice and he is set to choose between two schools, Penn State and West Virginia.
Ferns, 6-foot-3, 225-pounds, plays for St. Clairsville (OH) and he also plays tight end on offense. He is listed as a four-star recruit and is the number-seven outside linebacker in the country.
He has visited both schools often, and has stated that education is going to play a big part in his decision. With the oil industry exploding in the Ohio Valley, Ferns is looking to major in petroleum engineering and both schools offer excellent programs in that field.
An interesting sidelight is that Brendan’s older brother, Michael Ferns, is now at West Virginia after transferring from Michigan. The elder Ferns will sit out this season and have three years of eligibility beginning with the 2016 season.
EVALUATION: Ferns has the size and speed college recruiters are looking for in a linebacker, and he is versatile enough to play either outsider spot or in the middle. I see him as a three-down outside linebacker, probably a strong-side backer covering the tight end. He has the ability to turn and run in coverage, but also has the strength to hold up against the run. His athletic ability also shows when he lines up at tight end or tailback on offense, and is very impressive on that side of the football as well. He is a leader on his team, and the desire for a great education is real and not just lip service.
