With the reputation of having a first-class football program, college recruiters make a point to stop by Buford High School to check out their current crop of talented athletes. Louisiana State University is one such college. Players from Buford have put on LSU uniforms and helped contribute to the top-notch program.
In the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game held this past Monday in New Orleans, LSU and Clemson competed to take home the trophy. LSU emerged the victor with a 42-25 win over Clemson. Buford had a hand in that incredible victory.
The starting long snapper for LSU is Buford’s own Blake Ferguson, BHS Class of 2015. Blake who is currently a senior isn’t the first long snapper from Buford to put on the LSU uniform. His brother Reid Ferguson graduated from Buford High School in 2012 and was recruited by LSU. Blake and Reid got to play a season together before Reid was finished at LSU. Reid currently is the long snapper for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills team.
LSU’s secondary long snapper is also a Buford graduate. Quentin Skinner went to LSU following his graduation from Buford in 2019 and was being mentored by Blake as Blake was mentored by his older brother Reid.
Following LSU’s big win, Blake and Quentin were in the thick of the post-game celebrations. It was a surreal moment for these two Buford boys. In the midst of the post-game chaos, brothers Reid and Blake shared a special moment. Reid was happy for his alma mater LSU but that happiness was amplified by his little brother being a part of the team to win the National Championship.
For Blake, that game was the last time he would wear the purple and gold LSU uniform. Blake will leave the long snapper position in the capable hands of Quentin and the Buford long snapper history at LSU will continue.
Congratulations to Blake, Quentin, and the entire LSU football organization! Geaux Tigers!
— By Alicia Couch Payne
