Conference USA: Remembering Former La Tech Superstar Defensive End, the "Sack Master", Jaylon Ferguson

A menace for all opposing quarterbacks, including Hilltopper signal callers, the former Louisiana Tech defensive end has been well remembered across the football world.

With deep pain, it brings great sorrow to have to talk about yet another young football player’s death. This time, it’s from a Conference USA mate, the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs, with Tuesday’s announcement of the passing of Jaylon Ferguson at 26.

LA Tech Football 🏈 @LATechFB

The LA Tech Family mourns this morning's tragic news of the sudden death of former Bulldog great, Jaylon Ferguson. We will remember his God-given talents on the field and his infectious personality off of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. RIP, 45.

June 22nd 2022

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This has hit WKU several times in the past few years and, frankly, it just sucks to have to talk about it and think about it. Someone younger than me in incredible physical shape—currently playing in the NFL and participating in all practices up to his death—has died.

It just reminds us of the fragility of life.

Ferguson was an incredible athlete at La Tech, earning a third-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft after terrorizing Conference USA for several years. Ferguson was there making the trenches hell for the Tops, as well as producing 17.5 sacks in his senior campaign in 2018.

Although he only won one game against the Tops (55-52 at La Tech on October 6, 2016), he terrorized WKU quarterbacks, totaling 22 tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, 2.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in the four matchups.

Unfortunately for his teams, as well, they were never able to break through and win a C-USA Championship. But every year, they were competitive and won a bowl game every single year he was there.

He had a massive impact on WKU’s experience in C-USA, and with 45 sacks, he altered a few careers of some fledgling quarterback foes. Imagine La Tech in that era without an all-time NCAA legend.

But off the field, by all accounts, he was an awesome guy, a hard-working young man, a leader, a team captain in college and a good father.

So today, we just take time away from our generally pure WKU coverage to honor a C-USA legend that has been taken from us far too early.

It’s a sad reminder to us all to take care of ourselves, to make sure we’re ready in case it’s our time to leave this Earth. To my former Topper brothers and to really all young people, and especially young athletes, don’t dwell on it, but be ready. Make sure your affairs are in order. Make sure you have a plan in case things like this happen.

And to La Tech, and especially Jaylon’s family and friends, we extend our sincere condolences.

May he rest in peace.