Ferrell making most of second chance at Lake Belton

Ray Swindle

Daniel Taylor

Telegram Sports Writer

Moving across the country can be tough, and having to adjust to a new city and school while leaving behind friends can take a toll on some. Having to do it twice can be even more rough. For Lake Belton’s Joe Ferrell, though, he’s using his situation to build relationships and memories that last beyond just the four years of high school.

The senior defensive lineman is originally from Cleveland, Ohio, but moved to Belton his eighth grade year when his dad was stationed at Fort Hood. After spending a year at North Belton Middle School, Ferrell moved back to Cleveland in a bittersweet moment. While he was glad to go back home, he knew he’d miss the bonds he built in Texas.

“That experience, I would say, changed my life. Not only was it something new that I’ve never experienced before, but it developed a love for the city, community and all the sports and everything,” Ferrell said. “I was happy to go back home but kind of bitter because I felt like I had found a new home.”

Now that his mom is stationed at Fort Hood, Ferrell relishes the opportunity to be back in Belton and spend his senior year playing football for the Broncos.

“I would say it’s such a blessing having an opportunity to be a Bronco again,” he said.

“Opportunities are endless, so I’m just glad to be back. I still have my friends that I made before and now have made some new friends and so I’m excited for what the year brings.”

Since moving back in July with just his mom and five younger siblings, Ferrell jumped straight into fall camp. Although he started out as a linebacker, he has transitioned into a disruptor on the defensive line.

Ferrell’s presence on the line has been felt to the tune of 15 tackles and a forced fumble. He’ll have the chance to add to those numbers today when Lake Belton (4-4, 3-2 District 8-5A-I) takes on Georgetown (7-1, 5-0) at 7 p.m. at Tiger Field.

Despite being a playmaker, Ferrell faced a number of challenges when he got back, the biggest being the quick need to learn the defensive plays and schemes. Although they were new to him, Ferrell rapidly learned and adapted to what was needed of him.

“Just learning the defense, that was probably his biggest challenge just getting up to speed on what we do,” Lake defensive tackles coach Jason Hill said. “But he’s very smart, so being able to pick up on that and then his natural ability really makes up for a lot of that.”

Having the mental toughness to adjust quickly is something that Ferrell continues to utilize throughout the season. When things may not go his way during a game, he has the ability to understand what’s going wrong and how to make the necessary adjustments.

“He gets frustrated, but he comes and asks questions like, ‘Hey, what can I do here?’ or ‘Hey, I’m struggling with this,’” Hill said. “He asks for help, asks for tips and whatever else to help him get through it. He doesn’t get down on himself and quit but comes and finds answers as soon as he can.”

Ferrell’s mental toughness extends beyond just his response when things aren’t going his way. It’s also what drives him to be what his coaches describe as one of the most dependable players on the team.

“I think it goes back to my experience I had the first time and then being back here now,” Ferrell said. “When I found out I was coming back, knowing the opportunity I had, I just knew I had to take advantage of every single (opportunity) because not everyone gets the blessing to be in the position that I’m in. (This) is just my way of giving back to a program that’s already given me so much.”

Dependability extends beyond the football field into all aspects of Ferrell’s life, including in the classroom and with the band. Being able to be relied upon in all aspects of school is a testament to his character and what he wants to leave behind.

“Something I want to leave is driving to be like Christ and following his example to be a light for others,” Ferrell said. “I feel like you can lead by example, not through just words, but actions as well that can go through anything you do in life.”

Being a reliable player who gives great effort is a product of his experiences. Along with his faith being a cornerstone of his character, making his family proud is something for which Ferrell strives everyday.

“Everything I do through my actions should point toward, ‘Oh, he follows Christ,’ so I think with how I behave and conduct myself kind of leans toward that,” he said. “I’m always going to give my best effort and try to follow in my dad’s footsteps and make my family proud in whatever it is I do.”