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we signed a undrafted FA SS from Syracuse; Name: Diamond Ferri
Topic Started: Apr 26 2005, 12:34 PM (75 Views)
Eli_Manning_10
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OVERVIEW
An amazing talent who stepped into the national spotlight as a senior. The former running back moved to the defensive backfield as a junior. In two short seasons, he finished his career ranked No. 7 on the school's all-time record list for defensive backs with 226 tackles.

Ferri was rated the No. 4 overall prospect in New England by SuperPrep as a senior at Everett (Mass.) High School. He earned All-East honors from Prep Football Report and All-Northeast accolades from PrepStar. He led his team to the Massachusetts state championships in his sophomore and senior seasons. Ferri amassed 4,500 yards and scored 54 touchdowns in three varsity seasons. As a senior, he rushed for 1,650 yards and 25 touchdowns.

He appeared in nine games as a true freshman at Syracuse in 2000, running for 101 yards and two scores on 20 carries (5.1 avg.) while recording five tackles on special teams. Ferri played in 10 games as a reserve tailback as a sophomore. He rushed 39 times for 155 yards (4.0 avg.), caught two passes for 22 yards and posted a pair of tackles. Ferri then spent the 2002 season at Bunker Hill Community College to improve his academic standing.

Ferri returned to Syracuse in 2003 and was shifted to strong safety. He ranked second on the team with a career-high 120 tackles (75 solos), a sack and 4½ stops for losses. (120 tackles is a lot for a safety) He had two interceptions and deflected five passes. [size=7]In 2004, Ferri was a weekly highlight film. He intercepted four passes for 161 yards in returns and a touchdown, recovered four fumbles for 33 yards in returns, caused six fumbles and batted away six passes. He also saw action in two games at tailback when injuries depleted that unit, gaining 173 yards with two touchdowns on 29 carries (6.0 avg.). He also returned 24 kickoffs for 653 yards (27.2 avg.) and four punts for 16 yards. [/size]
In 43 games with the Orange, Ferri accounted for 226 tackles (140 solos) with a 6-yard sack and 6½ stops for losses of 24 yards. [size=7]He gained 185 yards on six interception returns and deflected 11 passes. Ferri also caused six fumbles and recovered five others. He added 429 yards and four touchdowns on 88 rushing attempts (4.9 avg.), 22 yards on two catches, 16 yards on four punt returns and 672 yards on 26 kickoff returns (25.8 avg.). [/size]

ANALYSIS
Positives: Well-built with a V-shaped torso, good chest thickness, broad shoulders, tapered legs and good bubble … Versatile athlete who was a running back earlier in his career and then returned to that role for a few games as a senior … Makes decent reads and keys, reacting quickly on the snap … Has enough strength and power to line up in the box … Uses his short arms to shed blocks and is quick to fill the rush lanes … Smooth and quick coming out of his backpedal, displaying proper hip swerve to turn decisively towards the ball … Sees the field well and plays with no hesitation … Adequate at handling the switch-offs in zone coverage … Long strider who makes plays in front of him … Stays low in his pads and drives hard with his legs to wrap and secure the ball carrier … Can mirror tight ends and backs in the slot … Has the body control and flexibility to explode behind his tackles … Shows natural hands and good leaping ability to get to the ball at its high point … Showed improvement in 2004 in attempts to take proper angles to fill the rush
lanes.

Negatives: Relies on his instincts to compensate for a lack of true speed and experience at the position … Doesn't have the long speed to shadow the receivers on deep routes … Needs to stay lower in his pads when planting and driving in run support … While a very quick learner, he only has two years of experience on defense … Times the pass well, but fails to open his hips properly in transition, resulting in him taking some false steps in pursuit … Does not have the sudden burst needed to recover when beaten … Needs to be covered in the zone, as he does not maintain good contact on the receiver in man coverage … When he takes false steps, it negates his range working in the zone.

INJURY REPORT
No injuries reported. (i like that) :yes:


AGILITY
4.63 in the 40-yard dash … 2.71 20-yard dash … 1.62 10-yard dash … 4.14 20-yard shuttle … 11.37 60-yard shuttle … 7.15 three-cone drill … 35½-inch vertical jump … 9-foot-3 broad jump … Bench pressed 225 pounds 20 times … 29-inch arm length … 9¼-inch hands.

here's the problem. 5'10 is short for a SS. but i did like his profile. in what he did in 2004. have a problem with the run support. if someone like bettis or alstott hits him. aww man. i know our Linebackers have to be good run supporters but strong safeties have to be good at those.
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Eli_Manning_10
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Ferri takes a Giant step
Former Syracuse player signs with New York team after draft day disappointment.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
By Donnie Webb
Staff writer
Syracuse University football player Diamond Ferri said Monday that he has signed a free-agent contract to play for the New York Giants of the National Football League.

That was after Ferri nearly accepted a tryout with the Houston Texans.

Ferri initially said Monday that he was prepared to go to Houston this coming weekend for a tryout that could lead to a free-agent contract. He said if that did not work out, he was prepared to accept a tryout with the Giants in two weeks.

During his trip back to Syracuse on Monday from his home in Everett, Mass., Ferri and his representatives accepted a firm offer from the Giants.

Ferri, who earned first-team All-Big East Conference honors last season as a strong safety, said the Giants signed him as "a utility player." In addition to safety, Ferri said the Giants want to look at him as a tailback and special teams performer.

"I'm happy," Ferri said. "I'm a hard worker, a special teams maniac. The mini-camp is in two weeks, so now, I have another two weeks to get in even better shape to go and impress people."

Additionally, former LaFayette High School defensive tackle Gary Gibson of Rutgers accepted a free-agent offer to sign with the Baltimore Ravens. Gibson chose the Ravens over offers from Chicago, Tennessee and Atlanta.

"They're switching from 3-4 to 4-3, so that gives me a little

edge," said Gibson, who will play nose tackle. "I feel I'm more a penetrating guy than a read guy. That's the best situation for me to go in and make the team. What it comes down to, I've got my foot in the door and I've got a shot to get into the NFL. I'm excited about it and I'm going to work real hard to get there."

Ferri said he was "shocked" about being passed over in seven rounds of the two-day NFL Draft this weekend. Ferri, who participated in the NFL Combine workouts in February, said between 10 and 15 teams called him during the draft to express interest. But the draft ended Sunday without him being selected.

Page 2 of 2
Ferri believes he was passed over because of "character issues" related to his arrest last summer following a fight in Armory Square. The case was resolved last week with Ferri receiving adjournment in contemplation of dismissal (an ACD), meaning the case will be dismissed and the file sealed if the player stays out of trouble for the next six months.

Ferri thought he had answered all questions related to off-field issues during interviews at the NFL Combine and during various workouts at Syracuse.

"Everybody knows about it," Ferri said. "I'm not going to hide it. There are guys in the NFL drug dealing and shooting people. I haven't done anything like that. I got in a fight. It was just a fight.

"I thought teams would look past it. You tell them what happened. I thought it was good. And then some of those things come into issues in the higher ranks. That stuff is done with. It's in the past. There's no reason to look back. That doesn't make me the person I am today; I've learned from those mistakes."

Former Syracuse wide receiver David Tyree essentially made the Giants roster because of his special teams skills in 2002 after being drafted in the sixth round. Tyree had his own obstacles to overcome following his arrest for marijuana possession in March of 2004.

Tyree played in all 16 games last season, making 10 catches for 155 yards. Ferri said Tyree's road map is worth following and that he'll have plenty of motivation when he gets to the team's mini-camp.

Ferri played tailbackat Syracuse as a true freshman in 2000 and was the primary backup behind James Mungro in 2001. During the spring of 2002, Ferri left the team for personal reasons and did not return until the fall of 2003. By that time, Walter Reyes had established himself at tailback and Ferri moved to safety.

Last season, Ferri was chosen the team's most valuable player by coaches. He finished second on the team in total tackles with 99. He led the Orange in several categories including forced fumbles (six), fumble recoveries (four), pass break-ups (six) and interceptions (four).

His most memorable performance came in Syracuse's 43-17 victory over Boston College. Because of injuries to Reyes and tailback Damien Rhodes, Ferri played tailback in addition to his duties at safety.

Ferri scored three touchdowns two on offense and one on defense to help the Orange shock the Eagles and win a share of the Big East Conference title. Ferri rushed for 141 yards. He iced the game by returning an interception 44 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"It's a shock to me, my agent, my family and friends," Ferri said of his draft fallout. "I just feel like I disappointed people by not getting drafted. I worked my butt off to get where I am and not get drafted, it's disappointing.

"I have to look past that. I'm going to make a team on special teams no matter what. Then they'll see the intangibles I have. I can play safety and running back. And I'm good at them both. I'm just going to have to prove everybody wrong. I'm pretty (angry). I'm going to have to show these teams what they passed on."


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10Giants
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I live in Syracuse and, while I don't follow SU alot, I could not help but hear about his impact on the field. He was a playmaker on a team that had none. He made big plays on returns, Defense and for two games on offense. I wanted the Giants to get him because he could actually fill 3 slots in one. I agree he is small for a SS but he could be a FS with his ball hawk abilities. He could also be valuable insurance in case Tiki gets hurt. I think those character issues mentioned in the article by Webb did hurt but he may have been hurt more by SU's overall bad play the last couple of years. I'd be surprised if he didn't make the roster, on special teams if nothing else.
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Eli_Manning_10
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10Giants
Apr 26 2005, 12:48 PM
I live in Syracuse and, while I don't follow SU alot, I could not help but hear about his impact on the field. He was a playmaker on a team that had none. He made big plays on returns, Defense and for two games on offense. I wanted the Giants to get him because he could actually fill 3 slots in one. I agree he is small for a SS but he could be a FS with his ball hawk abilities. He could also be valuable insurance in case Tiki gets hurt. I think those character issues mentioned in the article by Webb did hurt but he may have been hurt more by SU's overall bad play the last couple of years. I'd be surprised if he didn't make the roster, on special teams if nothing else.

we need a good backup at SS.
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Eli_Manning_10
Apr 26 2005, 12:49 PM
we need a good backup at SS.

And he may well be that person though the roster already has Gibril Wilson as starter (or should have) and Shaun Williams as the back up. The latter always hit hard but missed too many coverages, so ,maybe he won't be there. I remember seeing High Def highlights of The Gisnt-Raven Super Bowl where after the first TD catch you see Sehorn look at Williams who hits his chest to apparently acknowledge that he was supposed to be the deep help. In any event Ferri could be a steal.
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Eli_Manning_10
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shaun williams will compete with alexander at FS dude.. Currey Burns is a backup at SS i think
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Eli_Manning_10
Apr 26 2005, 01:01 PM
shaun williams will compete with alexander at FS dude.. Currey Burns is a backup at SS i think

If so then they are shifting him back to FS, which is possible. A little surprising because he was moved back to SS a few years ago because it was his natural position.
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10Giants
Apr 26 2005, 01:05 PM
Eli_Manning_10
Apr 26 2005, 01:01 PM
shaun williams will compete with alexander at FS dude.. Currey Burns is a backup at SS i think

If so then they are shifting him back to FS, which is possible. A little surprising because he was moved back to SS a few years ago because it was his natural position.

actually it wasn't.FS was his original position...
1998
By Brent Boyd

Daily Bruin Staff

Shaun Williams can't be blamed for being a little bitter.

The coaching staff says he's the best player on the Bruin football team, he's a team captain, and he's one of the top NFL prospects in the country.

But on a team that features the nation's second-rated quarterback, a tailback who seems to break a scoring record every other weekend, and an offense that racks up nearly 45 points per game, it is easy for the club's defensive leader to get lost in the shuffle.

So who could blame him if he's bitter that an article in a local newspaper said no Bruin star has missed substantial action this year, despite the fact that Williams - the preseason All-American - missed two games due to a sprained ankle.

And he can't be blamed if he was not just a little bitter when a preseason magazine had a segment - "Can we see some ID?" - listing the best players in the nation that were not well known by fans, and he was No. 1.

If anyone should be forgiven for being a little bitter, it's Shaun Williams. There's just one problem ... he's not bitter at all.

Not that he wouldn't mind the extra attention - it's just that he has more important things on his mind.

"All that glamour stuff really doesn't really mean anything," he said. "It on1y matters what you do in between those white lines and play ball. I could have been rated the best safety ever to play the game - but it doesn't really matter.

"All that matters is when you go out there, strap on your helmet, put on your pads and go to war."

He knows that to become a household name in the defensive backfield one needs a lot of interceptions, and he only had one in his four-year career. The "problem" is, he would rather hit somebody hard than go for the pick.

"I think if I would have gotten more interceptions throughout my career, then I would have gotten more recognition," Williams said. "It doesn't really bother me, because I feel like when scouts and coaches watch my film they see what I can do, and there's not going to be anybody that says I can't play the game or feel like I'm not one of the best out there."

That's the thing - while he may remain in the shadows of Cade McNown, Skip Hicks and other Bruin superstars in the eyes of the fans, to the people in the world of college football, Williams is anything but a secret.

In fact, this week he was invited to participate in both the Hula Bowl and the East-West Shrine Game - postseason all-star games for selected seniors.

And although he leads the Bruins with six tackles per game this season, was third on the team a year ago, and second in 1995, it is more than just Williams' tackling ability that is wreaking havoc for opponents. The 6-foot, 2-inch 205-pound graduate from Crespi High School in Encino has a little bit of everything.

"He's got the most God-given talent on the team," UCLA head coach Bob Toledo said. "He's got size, he's got speed, he's got quickness, he can jump, he can catch, he'll hit you, and he can play both offense and defense."

Oh yeah, that.

He wasn't even recruited as a safety. Rather, he came in as an "athlete" and was unsure of where he'd play until midway through his freshman season.

In fact, his first game action as a Bruin was on the other side of the line of scrimmage - as a tailback. After playing one game at tailback (five yards on four carries) he was transferred to the defensive backfield, and not because of lack of ability.

"He could have been a heck of a tailback," Toledo said. "He's just a real talented player."

But, thankfully for the Bruins, the secondary was thin and there was a log jam at tailback, with such stars as Hicks and Karim Abdul-Jabaar running all over the place.

Ironically, Williams had always dreamed that his future in football would be as a tailback.

"I always played both sides of the ball, but running back was just my main focus," Williams said. "I just think I came here and it was a sign from God or something to play defensive back. I'm happy with where I am at."

There's not much complaint from the Bruin coaching staff either - he has become the foundation of the secondary corps. And it's not just his talent that has come to the forefront this season, but his leadership skills have been key.

Williams is a third-year starter at free safety, so he is relied upon and is thus counted on to organize the coverage plan once out on the field.

"He's real knowledgeable of the defense," Marc Dove, the defensive backfield coach, said. "He's pretty much the 'on-the-field' guy for us in the secondary - his experience and knowledge of what we're doing really helps."

Williams is responsible for identifying the formation of the offense when it breaks the huddle and assigning defenders to any uncovered receivers.

Additionally, as an elected team captain, he takes it upon himself to make sure that his teammates are motivated and ready to play.

And he doesn't always use words to do it - his play and attitude speak loud enough.

"His biggest influence is his work ethic," starting freshman cornerback Marques Anderson said. "He makes you want to go and work hard. Every time we go out there, he is the leader of the team."

Williams has taken particular interest in Anderson, whom he sees a little bit of himself within.

"He reminds me a lot of myself when I was young. I still think he hasn't really realized his full potential yet and what he could do if he would just focus on the little things," Williams said. "So I just try to coach him on those things. I think young guys like that need a senior or a veteran in the leadership role to enhance your play."

For Williams, his mentor was former safety/linebacker Abdul McCullough.

But, in the larger scheme of things, his mentors have been the past great players in the Bruin secondary - Kenny Easley, James Washington, Eric Turner, Don Rogers and many more.

This exclusive group of Bruin alumni is particularly tight-knit, and they have taken Williams under their wing.

"(Washington) said it's like a family, and these guys are talking about me and they'll come to help me out mentally and to stay focused on the things that I need to do on and off the field," Williams said.

He's actually visited with Washington a few times and hopes their relationship only grows closer.

"I hope I get a chance to talk to him more as I get closer to the next level," he said. "I think it's great for the alumni to talk to the current players."

If the "experts" are right, Williams will become the next link of this Bruin pipeline to NFL stardom. He is projected by many as a mid-to-late first round pick - he currently ranks 15th on draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.'s top prospects list.

No NFL team could go wrong in drafting Williams, Dove says.

"He's got good size, good quickness, good speed, he's got great knowledge of the game, and he's hungry, and when they're paying the kind of money they are in the NFL nowadays, they're looking for guys like that - energy level and all."

To be sure, when draft day comes around next April, it will be a lifelong goal realized for Williams. Ever since he first took the field 13 years ago he had always dreamed of playing on Sundays - cheering for the likes of the Raiders and such safeties as Ronnie Lott and Steve Atwater.

"Ever since I was 7 years old my dream was to play in the NFL - I think it's a dream for everybody who plays football," he said.

And he knows it is a select few who are fortunate enough to be drafted, so if the rumors that he has been hearing are true - that some scouts would rather have him play cornerback in the pros - he won't be disappointed.

"I would love to stay at free safety because you are more involved in the whole game," he said. "But whatever is needed of me, I'll do. I just want to play the game."

Size, quickness, speed, leadership and a budding NFL career - he's got everything that any football player could ever want ... except for one or two things.
Most importantly, he wants to be playing football in Pasadena on New Year's Day.

"Oh, man, words can't even explain what it would mean for me to play in the Rose Bowl," Williams said. "That's big time. That's something you can tell your kids about, something you can tell people for years to come."

And secondly: "My greatest thrill would be an interception returned for a touchdown."

Imagine that - an interception returned for a touchdown in the Rose Bowl.

Then maybe, just maybe, Shaun Williams could finally put his ID card away. Posted Image
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10Giants
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I just checked the Giant web site and they have Alexander at SS backed by Wilson with Burns at FS backed by Brewer and Williams. That doesn't sound right to me. Didn't Alexander play FS all year with Wilson at SS before he got hurt?
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Ok. According to his bio he played two seasons at FS before being switched to SS in 2002. Not sure why I thought the latter was his "natural" position. My bad.
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10Giants
Apr 26 2005, 01:10 PM
Ok. According to his bio he played two seasons at FS before being switched to SS in 2002. Not sure why I thought the latter was his "natural" position. My bad.

same here.
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I still don't understand the Giant depth chart showing Alexander moving to SS ahead of Wilson and the other 3 at FS, but I guess I don't have to.
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10Giants
Apr 26 2005, 01:08 PM
I just checked the Giant web site and they have Alexander at SS backed by Wilson with Burns at FS backed by Brewer and Williams. That doesn't sound right to me. Didn't Alexander play FS all year with Wilson at SS before he got hurt?

that's gotta be wrong. alexander was our FS. maybe they changed it. :blink:
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To me Alexander at FS & Wilson at SS was the best combo. Perhaps they really liked Burns and Brewer and feel they are better suited to FS & that Alexander can play the other. According to his bio he played both though most of his SS days were with the Panthers and earlier.
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10Giants
Apr 26 2005, 01:37 PM
To me Alexander at FS & Wilson at SS was the best combo. Perhaps they really liked Burns and Brewer and feel they are better suited to FS & that Alexander can play the other. According to his bio he played both though most of his SS days were with the Panthers and earlier.

it's true williams is a bust. but for some weird reason i haven't lost faith.
he will work his ass off and come back strong. if he has to compete he will work very hard.
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