Chris Ferguson
Quarterback / Liberty

Alex Khvatov:  What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?

Chris Ferguson:  I am 6’4 and 235.    

Alex Khvatov:  How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?

Chris Ferguson:  I used a gym at home.  I was working out with C Jimmy Morrissey from Pitt and Derek Mountain who played at Holy Cross.  We would stretch, do mobility stuff, and throw after.  In the afternoon, we would do film work and recovery treatment.  I was taking care of my foot because I am coming back from an injury.

Alex Khvatov:  Have you made a full recovery from the injury?

Chris Ferguson:  It was a Lisfranc injury that I suffered in October.  I got surgery.  It has been about seven months of recovery.  It has been a lot of work.  I have been lifting and doing the work in the pool.  I have been trying to get myself healthy.  I have worked hard.  I am close to 100% right now.  I still have two months to fully recover and get ready for the season.  I have been throwing since January.    

Alex Khvatov:  What can we expect from Liberty this upcoming season? 

Chris Ferguson:  I watched their games last year.  Their defense flies around.  We have some young guys and a strong core of leaders.  The offense looks to be explosive.  We have a good group of guys.  I have been reaching out to a lot of the guys.  We lost time together because of the pandemic, but we are back now.   

Alex Khvatov:  Are you ready for the QB competition that will take place?

Chris Ferguson:  Malik Willis is an Auburn transfer.  He came here last year. Johnathan Bennett is a redshirt freshman.  Those are the guys that I am competing against.  We have different styles.  I am excited to compete.  I am there for the team.  I want to win the starting spot and win a lot of games.      

Alex Khvatov:  Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?

Chris Ferguson:  I played basketball and lacrosse.   

Alex Khvatov:  When did you start playing QB? 

Chris Ferguson:  In middle school, I started playing football.  I liked throwing.  I was a good thrower.  In eighth grade, I became the QB.  I started working out at the position, going to camps and learning the position.  I went to a public school and then I transferred to a private school.  Then QB Kyle Shurmur transferred there.  He is Pat Shurmur’s son.  He started over me.  I sat behind him for two years, learned and kept working.  I was the starting QB my senior year of high school.   

Alex Khvatov:  Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?

Chris Ferguson:  I got Bryant and I had a walk-on spot at Temple 

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you choose the University of Maine? 

Chris Ferguson:  Maine coaches offered me when they met me.  They are smart football players and coaches.  They knew what they were doing.  Maine is different.  You really have to fend for yourself during your time up there.    

Alex Khvatov:  Tell us about your career at Maine. 

Chris Ferguson:  During the summer, you are working out on your own.  They expect you to be there in July.  You are making every meal yourself.  You learn how to cook, clean and take care of yourself.  Maine turned me into a man quickly.  I started my redshirt freshman year.  We had a decent year.  We made it to the semis of the playoffs during my sophomore year.  We won the CAA conference.  We lost to Eastern Washington.  During my junior year, I got hurt against Richmond.  We finished with a .500 record.  Getting hurt was tough.  I trusted in God.  I started for two and a half years.   

Alex Khvatov:  Why did you transfer to Liberty?      

Chris Ferguson:  Getting hurt opened up some doors.  I wanted to take a step back.  I graduated early and I had an opportunity.  It is a challenge to come here and learn a new offense.  It is exciting.  I talked to OC Kent Austin and what they are doing with the offense.  I knew that I would be surrounded by great players.  They have a good training facility, and I could do my rehab here.      

Alex Khvatov:  What are your strengths?

Chris Ferguson:  Leadership and intangibles.  I am a pocket passer.  I am accurate, decisive, and make good decisions.      

Alex Khvatov:  What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?

Chris Ferguson:  Last year, I had too many interceptions.  I want to avoid them this year.  I was just trying to make something out of nothing.  I need to focus on the little things.  The big focus is to get better with my foot.  I have been working on my speed and agility.  Learning the new playbook and watching film from last year.  I wanted to see what Coach Austin and coach Freeze will call in different situations.  How they like to call games.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the highlight of your career up to this point?

Chris Ferguson:  My whole sophomore year.  I had a shoulder injury early in that season.  I was out for a couple of weeks.  I fought through adversity, and God took care of me.  We went to Utah and Washington, but we didn’t finish the job.  We made it far into the playoffs.  We got close with that team.    

Alex Khvatov:  What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff at Maine? 

Chris Ferguson:  Big players always make big plays in big moments.  Our coach always used to say that.      

Alex Khvatov:  What is your favorite NFL team?

Chris Ferguson:  I grew up on the west side of Philadelphia.  The Eagles all the way.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is your favorite NFL player?

Chris Ferguson:  I love Wentz as a person and as a player.  I also love watching Brady at the end of the day.  The way he works and runs the offense.  I have been watching Mahomes this past offseason.    

Alex Khvatov:  Which QB do you try to model your game after?

Chris Ferguson:  Growing up, it has been Brady.  He does everything right.  The mental side of the game is where he wins.  I love seeing him run the offense.    

Alex Khvatov:  What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?

Chris Ferguson:  There is WR Noah Frith.  WR Demario Douglas, WR DJ Stubbs, and RB Josh Mack who is my former teammate.  LT Tristan Schultz and C Tom Sargeant.  On defense, we have safety/rover Javon Scruggs.    

Alex Khvatov:  Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?

Chris Ferguson:  Weber State LB LeGrand Toia picked me off in a playoff game.  He also hit one of my wideouts.  He was a versatile and hard-hitting player.

Alex Khvatov:  What is the most important trait for a QB?

Chris Ferguson:  Mental toughness.  You have to withstand lots of intensity.  You have to make sure that you are the guy who stays neutral.  You can’t get too high or too low.  You have to show up in the fourth quarter.  Russell Wilson always talks about neutral mindset.    

Alex Khvatov:  What do you enjoy most about football?

Chris Ferguson:  The work that goes into it.  You give it your all.  I love the daily grind.    

Alex Khvatov:  What are your hobbies?

Chris Ferguson:  I have been reading a lot.  Leadership and business books.  I also play disc golf.  I love playing real golf as well.    

Alex Khvatov:  What makes you unique?

Chris Ferguson:  My background.  I grew up with nine sisters and one brother.  I have 10 siblings.  I am also God-fearing.  I love the lord. 

Alex Khvatov:  What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?

Chris Ferguson:  I like reading business books.  You have to make money work for you.  I want to get some money and invest.  I want to create different assets.  I want to work with my brother.  We have the same goals and mindset.  He owns his own business.    

Alex Khvatov:  What five words best describe you?

Chris Ferguson:  Leader, diligent, hard-working, faithful, and determined.