Ursuline playmaker shifts to QB for talented Irish

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – Ursuline’s talent shines brightly every time the Irish take the field, but over the past few years, one player has stood out in every role — whether as a defensive back, wide receiver, kick returner, or punt returner. DC Farrell has left his mark across the board, and now he’s set to step into an even bigger role.

“He’s the kind of kid that when he gets the ball, something can always happen,” said Ursuline Head Coach Dan Reardon.”It’s going to be interesting to see how people choose to defend him.”

“It’s really exciting, I’m really happy to playing quarterback again,” Ursuline senior DC Ferrell said. “I’m going to be running the ball, throwing the ball, just being me, doing what I do.”

A year ago, Ferrell led the Irish with more than 800 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, now he will lead the huddle in a different spot this fall.

“It’s a [big] step for me. I played quarterback my freshman year so I had to really step up, do whatever I had to do for the team,” Ferrell said.

The Irish have plenty more to add to the mix. Senior anchor on the line Phillip Bowser has more than 10 Division I offers. Junior wideout Devonte Taylor has also racked up 6 D-I offers himself, and Akron commit Tairan Davis stars on both sides. But there is even more that Coach Reardon says will be needed to take that extra step to make another deep run into the playoffs.

“It’s tough when you lose two All-State players, another All-Conference player, those are big void voids to fill,” Reardon said. “But we do have some experience back and those guys with experience have to play great for us.”

Ferrell’s return to quarterback might be eased by Davis and Taylor, who combined for more than 1,000 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns between the duo.

“It’s been a whole year. You wait to get back out there and make some plays,” Davis said.

Defensively, all but two starters are back in the fold, giving a big batch of Irish seniors a boost headed into the fall.

“State championship, get better every week and finally get that run. We’ve been close but hopefully this year, we could close it out with a win and that season off with the win,” senior running back and linebacker John Frangos said.

“Obviously right now, Week 1, we’re trying to go one week at a time, but at the end of the year, the goal is to end up with a ring on her finger, Week 16,” senior tight end and linebacker Drake Campbell said. “But yeah, right now, just Week 1, take it week by week.”

The Irish begin their quest for a fourth straight 10-win season at home against Walsh Jesuit on Thursday, Aug. 22, at Stambaugh Stadium.

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