Former FAMU High football player Willie Ferrell has enrolled at Florida A&M University and intends to play for the football team, FAMU High head coach Ira Reynolds confirmed on Wednesday.
According to Reynolds, Ferrell indicated he would have to sit out one year before playing for the Rattlers because he had broken his contract with Ole Miss.
"He's excited about playing at FAMU," Reynolds said. "I know his mom is a season-ticket holder, so he grew up going to FAMU games. And I think he's excited about getting a chance to play with his brother (and sophomore defensive back), Jonathan, again."
Originally, Ferrell had committed to Louisiana State, but when signing day came in February, Ferrell sided with the Rebels.
Ferrell was a first-team selection to the Tallahassee Democrat All-Big Bend team as a junior and senior. During his senior year he finished with 174 tackles.
Ferrell was the 33rd-ranked linebacker in the nation and the 75th-ranked player in Florida by Rivals.com. ESPN analysts rated him the No. 6 inside linebacker in the country, and Scout.com listed him as the 13th-ranked linebacker recruit.
"What (Florida A&M) is getting is a four-star athlete that many teams in their division don't get, and he wants to be there," Reynolds said.
Reynolds has coached Ferrell since sixth grade, when the young player began competing on the varsity team.
"They're getting a great athlete and a great, committed player," Reynolds said. "He's the first to get started, and he makes sure the others around him are doing the right thing. He finishes what he starts. He completes his workouts as well as his assignments."














