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On Saturday, February 25 Grace Christian Academy senior Jafus Ferguson announced that he will be attending Brevard College in North Carolina to play football and earn his education. Brevard College, located in Brevard, North Carolina, is a Division III program coached by Bill Khayat. Ferguson will not only be playing football on scholarship, but will also be earning his college degree while at Brevard. 

After touring a number of colleges and seeing his offer from Brevard after he was accepted, Ferguson saw Brevard as the best opportunity to further his education and take his next step into his playing career. After speaking with coaches Ferguson not only felt comfortable, but felt that he can contribute to the team as a linebacker. 

“When I went and visited there were a lot of things that stuck out to me and made me feel comfortable,” said Ferguson. “The classrooms had smaller class sizes like we do here at Grace, the coaches were cool and easy to talk to, the mountains and everything around the university was beautiful. When I put the jersey and uniform on, it started to feel like home.”

For Ferguson’s mother, seeing him go away to school will be bittersweet, but she knows that he is in a place where he can be comfortable and an environment where he can succeed. Seeing Ferguson run onto the field in August for the first time is a moment that she is already looking forward to. 

“It’s going to be sad seeing him go off but it’s also exciting seeing him begin this new chapter of life,” said his mother. “I really liked the warmth of the university and the family atmosphere that they established so for me as a mother it brings me a peace of mind knowing he’s in a good place. I’m going to be ecstatic seeing him run on the field for their first game. It’s everything he’s been working for so I just know I’m going to be fired up and full of emotion.”

While at Grace Christian Academy, Ferguson excelled in both basketball and football, playing running back and linebacker. From beginning his journey at GCA as the sixth man to now being a college athlete, Ferguson has enjoyed every minute of competing at GCA and cherishes the bonds he has made with teammates and coaches. 

“I know that I’m really going to miss my family and my friends,” said Ferguson. “The experience of playing sports here from the coaches, teammates, fans; everyone has made it a great experience playing and going to school here.”

From his coaches and teammates, Fergusons athleticism and leadership has been something that they have seen develop over the years and have set him apart from his competitors. 

“His overall athleticism and speed is something that he can really bring to a team,” said GCA assistant coach Chris Williams. “His ability to go sideline to sideline and do whatever the coaches ask is one of his biggest strengths.” 

“It’s been great playing alongside him,” said GCA senior John Crews. “It doesn’t matter what sport, he’s a competitor and he’s always there for his teammates. When you make a mistake he’s there to pick you up and help you focus on the next play.”

Ferguson has already set goals for his time as a Brevard College Tornado, with his academics being at the top of his list. 

“I want to make straight A’s throughout,” said Ferguson. “Aside from that I want to break the all-time record for tackles in school history. It’s going to take a lot of work but I feel prepared. It’s going to take some getting used to, being in a new environment and playing for a new team, but I feel prepared.”

This offseason, Ferguson is focused on working on his body and athleticism as he prepares for his first season as a college athlete. Staying consistent in his routine as well as maintaining a strict diet has been a key for Ferguson this offseason. 

“Right now I’m just focused on getting bigger, faster and stronger all around,” said Ferguson. “I’m also eating right, taking care of my diet and just doing what I need to do to get myself prepared for August.”