With National Signing Day just hours away, the UConn football staff is busy putting the finishing touches on the class of 2018. One player who is known to be signing tomorrow is Jalon Ferrell, a defensive back from Miami, Florida, who is projected to play safety in Storrs. Committing on January 22nd, the 6’2″ 172-lb prospect who attends Killian High School, had a few specific reasons for choosing the Huskies program.

“It was academics and just the overall environment,” he said on Tuesday evening.

He is the second player from Miami to become a part of this year’s class, joining fellow defensive back Keyshawn Paul, who will also come north. The two have not met, but Ferrell has heard just how good a player Paul is.

Ferrell himself will look to make an impact over the years. Playing in Miami will help a player develop quicker than elsewhere. The game is faster and competitive, something that Ferrell thinks will only help him at the college level.

“It will keep me in a competitive nature,” he said. “In Florida, competition is very intense. You have to beat the guy in front of you no matter what the situation is.”

One of the main reasons he chose the Huskies was Randy Edsall and his staff.

“I really like them,” he said. “They are friendly and I feel like they have a lot to offer me when I get to UConn.”

His mentality on the field is what has helped him excel. Ferrell entered his senior season without an offer, but grinded his way all the way to an FBS scholarship as he gets set to sign on Wednesday. His approach to the game coincides precisely with what Edsall is trying to instill in the program.

“Never give up,” Ferrell said. “Go 100-percent. Mistakes are going to happen, but just have a short memory and go hard the next play.”

Football has been important to him and he credits the game for the opportunity at hand.

“It made a big impact,” he said. “I mean look at me. I have a full ride scholarship to a great school.”

As he thinks back to what’s gotten him to this point, he unselfishly credits those around him and his faith.

“My mom, grandma, my uncles, my coaches, but most importantly, God,” he said. “Without Him, I would have never gotten this far.”

In reviewing his film, it’s clear Ferrell can bring the wood, consistently coming up from his safety spot to deliver a hit on the ball carrier. A humble player, he knows there’s a lot he needs to improve upon. What’s the biggest?

“My footwork,” he said. “I missed a lot of opportunities because of that.”

If track record is any indication, the Huskies staff, combined with Ferrell’s effort could develop him into a force on the defensive side of the ball.

MATT SCHONVISKY / SITE CREATOR