The Ferris State Bulldog football team’s season has ended after going 8-3 (5-1 GLIAC) on the season and a loss in the first round of the DII football playoffs. Junior wide-receiver Emari O’Brien flashed his skill throughout the season.
The Harper Woods native sat down with the Torch and answered a few questions about his upbringing, his experience at Ferris and why he believes that next season will be a big bounce back year for his squad.
Q: Where are you from and what’s your background in sports?
A: I grew up on Six Mile in Detroit in a bad area. Both of my siblings and my parents were invested into sports, so they always made sure that they were a great support system and that I had everything I needed to be put into position to work hard and become a great athlete.
Q: What was your journey to get to Ferris?
A: My journey to get to Ferris was simple. I just had to work on being me, staying dedicated to my craft and putting up great numbers on the field.
Q: What was the experience like earning a role on the team?
A: The process for earning the role was that you had to redshirt as a freshman. Then you have to earn the respect of the team. You have to work hard because everybody [on the team] is good.
Q: There was a sentiment by your teammate Tyrese Hunt-Thompson that the wide-receiver group from this season was the best and most explosive group of players on the team, would you agree to that? Do you think the receiving core has peaked?
A: I would definitely agree that the receiving core is the best group on the team, but we definitely have not peaked. We have so many more pieces that haven’t been used correctly.
Q: Do you anticipate more growth from the wide-receivers coming into next season?
A: I think that once next season comes around, it’ll be simple to see that our group plays a huge part in winning games and it’ll be clear that the receiving room is the best group on the team.
Q: What do you think are your most interesting and redeeming qualities are off the field?
A: Off the field, I think it’s my ability to be approachable. I also think it’s also my ability to adapt. I think my attitude is a good thing as well.