Illinois State head coach Denver Johnson solidified the Redbird offensive line with the addition of Illinois transfer Jim Ferguson. Ferguson will be eligible immediately per NCAA transfer rules.
Ferguson, a sophomore, is a 6-3, 275-pound guard from Morton, Ill. He will once again be teammates with Redbird junior halfback Quincy Washington, who transferred from Illinois last spring.
"He looks like he has a chance to help us," Johnson said. "Hes a good-sized guy and has some good body strength. He reminds me a little bit of Andy King, with his stature and long arms.
"Hes a bright kid, but obviously hes way behind on the learning curve right now. As soon as we can get him comfortable and confident hell be able to get in there and help us."
With the Redbirds one week into the fall schedule, Ferguson will have to play catch-up.
"It takes some time and some reps," Johnson added. "It would be a lot easier if we were in a spring ball-type period right now. But being in the middle in competition, were trying to get the team ready to play games not necessarily get individual players ready to participate. Were trying to tutor him as quick as we can and get him ready as soon as possible."
At Morton High School, Ferguson was a two-time Mid-Illini all-conference selection. He was also a two-time all-area selection by the Peoria Journal Star and the Bloomington Pantagraph and was named honorable mention by the Chicago Tribune during his junior and senior seasons.
The Champaign News-Gazette named Ferguson a Top 100 all-state selection and Gridiron Greats honored him as an all-region and national all-star. He earned three varsity letters in football, while playing defensive tackle and center for the Potters.
