SLIPPERY ROCK — Ryan Ferguson is getting noticed.

Opposing coaches are approaching the Slippery Rock High senior fullback and linebacker after games, shaking his big, strong hands and wondering if anyone will stop him.

"We couldn't block him," said Grove City coach Jeff Bell after Ferguson recorded 15 tackles against the Eagles. "He's a heck of a player."

So far, no one has been able to slow him down. Teams are finding things just as confounding while trying to tackle the bruising runner when he carries the ball.

"He had a fantastic football game. He ran hard, he played hard, and he was just as effective on defense," said Sto-Rox coach Jason Ruscitto after Ferguson rushed for 162 yards against the Vikings. "I spoke with him after the game, and he's a class act."

Yes. The secret is out on Ferguson.

But the play of the 6-foot, 213-pounder hasn't been a secret in Slippery Rock.

Last year, Ferguson rushed for 657 yards and averaged 4.8 yards per carry. He also was solid on defense.

But an injury to Jesse Kniess required Slippery Rock coach Clyde Conti to move Ferguson to fullback and middle linebacker, and he has flourished in the new roles.

"He's been a rock of granite back there," Conti said.

If there is any concern about Ferguson, it comes from the fact he might have too much on his broad shoulders.

He's on the field for almost every snap and plays two physically demanding positions.

But Ferguson shrugs it off as merely part of his job.

"I'm pretty sure I can hold up," he said. "I'm sore and get bruises and banged up a little bit, but I come back the next week and go after it again."

Ferguson definitely has been going after it for the Rockets.

At linebacker, he has terrorized ballcarriers to the tune of 35 tackles in three games. Most of his tackles have been of the bone-jarring variety.

At fullback, he has used a straight-ahead, bullish style to rack up 303 yards. He already has matched his touchdown total of a year ago with four.

When it comes to running down people on defense or running them over on offense, Ferguson is an equal opportunity inflicter of damage.

"Really, I like doing both," Ferguson said. "If I had to choose one, it would be running the ball. I've always liked to run people over and smack them. It's a big part of the game."

Ferguson has been a big part of Conti's plans this season.

The offense has been tweaked a bit to take advantage Ferguson's unique talents, as well as those of quarterback Jonathan Powell.

"We haven't had a player like that for four years, since guys like Rich Lee, Travis Sarver, those kinds of guys," Conti said.

Ferguson finds that flattering, but his goals go far beyond yardage, tackles and touchdowns.

He's hungry for the playoffs — a reward the senior class at Slippery Rock has not experienced first hand.

"It doesn't matter how many yards I get or how many tackles I get as long as the team does well," Ferguson said. "It's my senior year — I have to make it a good one."