Ferns lands first offer

Saint Clairsville (Ohio) sophomore linebacker Brendan Ferns watched his brother, class of 2014 four-star Michael Ferns, land a couple dozen offers before committing to Michigan. Now, the younger Ferns is on board with an offer of his own.

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Ferns' first offer of the process came on Saturday during a spring practice visit to the University of Virginia.

"Towards the end of our visit we were talking with Coach [Jon] Tenuta in his office," Ferns said. "It all started a couple months ago when he came by our school. He said if I show up he'd offer, and he stuck with it. I didn't know if he was going to stick with it, so I was actually kind of surprised [by the offer]."

The promise of an offer was not the only factor that drew Ferns to Charlottesville this past weekend. He is also intrigued by the school's academic and athletic combination.

"It is very good academically and I take academics really serious," Ferns said. "I know football comes to an end and I will need a good degree. Virginia is one of those schools [that provides that]."

Ferns was introduced to the history of the University during his visit this past weekend, and also became more acclimated with the campus and football program.

"At the beginning we talked to the [staff] that showed academics," Ferns said. "Afterwards Coach took us around and showed us the Engineering and the Law School. Then we watched practice for an hour."

Although Virginia is the first school on board with an offer, Ferns has been hearing from schools across the country since his sophomore season ended. Some of the programs showing the most interest are Boston College, Minnesota, Notre Dame, Vanderbilt, Cincinnati, Ohio, Northwestern, Michigan State.

Ferns plans to continue his spring visit tour this week with a trip to Minnesota. He is also looking to schedule a visit with Boston College this spring.