RECRUITING Ferguson chooses Cincinnati

His decision was based on assurances that he would remain a running back.
By BRIAN RICHESSON
VINDICATOR SPORTS STAFF
YOUNGSTOWN -- All Delbert Ferguson needed was some extra time before deciding to play football for the University of Cincinnati.
Tuesday night, only hours before the commencement of national signing day, Washington State tried one last time to woo the Warren Harding High senior running back.
"They were just talking about opportunities and advantages of coming out there," Ferguson said. "They talked about their program, the things you would hear on a visit."
Ferguson said he spent nearly two hours talking to "the whole staff."
Taking a time-out
Wednesday, while high school seniors were signing letters of intent and smiling for cameras, Ferguson was racking his brain over which college to choose.
He said he was "in limbo" and that he "just got stuck."
"I wasn't ready come signing day," Ferguson said. "I just needed a little bit more time to get myself together."
Ferguson spent the rest of Wednesday talking with family and friends, including his pastor, Norman L. Wagner of Mount Calvary Church in Youngstown.
"I didn't want to make a decision [quickly] and have thoughts of transferring," Ferguson said. "Once I signed, I wanted to be sealed for four years."
Wednesday night, Ferguson spoke with Cincinnati coach Mark Dantonio and came to a final decision: He would play for the Bearcats.
The paperwork was processed Thursday.
"We just wanted to make the right decision to put me in the best situation academically and football-wise," said Ferguson, who plans to begin school in April and major in engineering and business.
Ferguson based his final decision on the Cincinnati coaches and trainers, their assurances he would remain a running back and the prospects of playing early.
"Delbert Ferguson is an excellent football player," Dantonio said in a statement released by Cincinnati's sports information office. "His decision came down to Washington State and Cincinnati, and we are certainly happy that he will be joining our program."
High school history
The 6-foot-1, 223-pound Ferguson played his first three seasons at Ursuline, earning All-Ohio honors, before transferring to Harding.
His senior year was plagued by injury and cut short when he broke his left leg. He continues to rehabilitate the leg daily with Dr. Joseph Scott in Boardman.
Ferguson said he's about 70-percent recovered from the injury.
"If I'm healthy and I can pick up the system, the ball's in my court," he said of playing as a freshman. "What more can I ask than for it to be up to me?"
richesson@vindy.com