Coaches always speak about winning the battles on offense, defense and special teams. Senior Taurean Ferguson helped the Jonesboro Cardinals do that in Week 2, resulting in a 33-7 victory over Mt. Zion on Aug. 31.

Ferguson caught a 20-yard touchdown pass, returned an interception for a touchdown and blocked a punt, which led to a TD run by Patrick Petty.

“He has become a punt block specialist over the past couple of years which gives us another weapon on special teams also,” Jonesboro coach Tim Floyd said.

“I had a feeling the slant was coming,” Ferguson said. “I just dropped back in the open area, the quarterback threw it and I picked it. It was pretty high too. I had to go up there and get it.”

Unlike last season, Ferguson is primarily playing linebacker this year instead of defensive back but the Cardinals are 2-0 and have surrendered just 19 points so far.

“He is adjusting to a new position and doing a very good job,” Floyd said. “Because he is smart and athletic, we are allowed to use him in different ways which helps improves our defense a lot.”

Ferguson has a 3.5 GPA and is on course to play football at Vanderbilt.

I chose Vanderbilt, first of all, to set myself up for the next four years of my life," Ferguson said. "Then there is a good chance of playing there as well. Also I want to help Vanderbilt win its first-ever SEC championship.