Parker Ferguson’s jersey number is suited for a quarterback, not someone who attempts to tackle them behind the line of scrimmage.
Second among Center Grove players in tackles for loss with six, Ferguson, a 6-foot-5, 260-pound senior, explains why a starting defensive end on the defending Class 6A state champion is sporting the No. 17.
“Funny story, actually. I used to wear No. 82 when I played tight end, but (eventually) the jersey didn’t fit me because I was growing so fast,” Ferguson said. “Coach (Eric) Moore just told me to take No. 17.
“I like it. It’s unique for a defensive end, so I’ve kind of made it my own.”
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Ferguson couldn’t take the field his freshman and sophomore seasons as a result of growth-related injuries. He suffered from inflamed growth plates in his hips in 2013 and compartment syndrome in his lower legs the following year.
No telling whether another burst of growth is in Ferguson’s immediate future. If so, they might consider adjusting the White House entryways.
Ferguson, who holds a 3.8 grade-point average and last week was offered a football scholarship by Air Force, plans to major in political science.
He can see himself one day being sworn in as president of the United States.
“I think I would represent the people,” Ferguson said with a laugh. “And I love America, man.”
Ferguson has 40 tackles this season entering this evening’s rematch against No. 1 Warren Central in a Class 6A regional. His career best of eight came in Center Grove’s 14-0 victory at Lawrence North in Week 8 of the regular season.
However, the defining moment of Ferguson’s season — and perhaps his career — might have come in last week’s 41-14 drubbing of sixth-ranked Columbus North in the championship game of Sectional 8.
Along with his four tackles, Ferguson stepped in front of a pass attempt by Bull Dog quarterback Triston Perry, intercepted it — with one hand, no less — and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown.
Now healthy, he’s attracted attention from another Division I program — the University of North Carolina. As of now, an offer stands for Ferguson to be a preferred walk-on for the Tar Heels.
Moore won’t be surprised if Ferguson lands additional Division I offers once Center Grove’s season is over.
“It’s been a curious year for him, because we saw Parker healthy in the offseason after being injured the two years earlier in his career,” Moore said. “Even though he was a senior, he didn’t have a lot of varsity experience.
“He struggled at the beginning of this season, but Parker is a kid who has great heart and great pride. He’s taken advantage of every situation, and is just a very high-character person. Now he’s on everyone’s radar because he has good size and is going to get bigger.”
Ferguson managed to play in 10 games as a junior and collect a total of 13 tackles. Nearly half of those resulted in the opposing offense losing yardage.
Playing a much more significant role this season, Ferguson has enjoyed every aspect of his farewell season in a Center Grove uniform.
“We’ve learned a lot about ourselves as players and as people. It’s been about taking it one game at a time,” Ferguson said. “This season has gone by so quickly, but I’ve loved every second of it.”
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Name: Parker Ferguson
Age: 17
Born: Greenwood
Family: Parents Brandyn and Tricia; sisters Chloe, 12, and Phoebe, 9
Favorite TV show: ESPN’s “30 for 30” documentaries
Favorite food: “My mom’s cooking”
Favorite movie: “Friday Night Lights”
Favorite athlete: J.J. Watt
Favorite team: Oakland Raiders
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