Ferguson’s size is turning heads

INDIANAPOLIS — His first name is derived from the Richard Chamberlain character in “The Thorn Birds.”

But that’s where the similarities between D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Father Ralph de Bricassart begin and end.

Ferguson’s father, Edwin Sr., was enamored with the movie and when his wife, Rhunette, delivered a son eight months later in December 1983, they messed with de Bricassart and came up with D’Brickashaw.

“It’s a pretty good movie,” D’Brickashaw said. “I had to see it because I wanted to find out where my name came from.”

Ferguson, a four-year starter at left tackle for Virginia, will hear his name called early in the first round of the NFL Draft on April 29.

A year after bypassing the draft to return for his senior season with the Cavaliers, Ferguson was at the Indiana Convention Center yesterday, going through physical exams at the NFL Scouting Combine. He checked in at 6-foot-6, 312 pounds. Ferguson will not work out until Virginia’s Pro Day on March 21.

There were concerns around the league whether Ferguson could add weight while keeping the same mobility. He was listed at 295 pounds before the season and weighed 298 at the Senior Bowl last month.

“Some were wondering if he could get above 300 pounds so this probably solidified him right at the top,” said Phil Savage, general manager of the Cleveland Browns.

Ferguson is ranked by most draft services behind the trio of Reggie Bush, Matt Leinart and Vince Young. If Houston trades out of the top spot, it might take Ferguson. If Tennessee opts against taking a quarterback at No. 3, Ferguson could be Steve McNair’s blind-side protector. And if the New York Jets settle their quarterback spot — with Patrick Ramsey, perhaps? — they could select the Long Island-reared Ferguson with the fourth pick.

He would have been a top 10 selection had he declared for the draft last season, as well.

“I wasn’t very close at all [to leaving Virginia],” he said. “I really wanted to stay and finish my degree and continued to be coached by that staff.”

Ferguson has earned his degree in religious studies. On the field, he became the first Virginia offensive lineman to start at least 50 games with 51.

Less than three years ago, Ferguson had his weight stuck between 250 and 260 pounds. He was athletic enough to hold his own against the ACC’s top defensive players, but to become a dominant player, Ferguson knew he had to add weight.

He changed his diet and workout routine and gained 35 pounds, starting his junior year at 295. He had the first of two consecutive All-ACC campaigns.

“I was able to change my diet and eating habits and I just paid more attention to the things I was consuming,” he said. “I was 250-ish, 260-ish and when I was that weight, I didn’t have the opportunity to exert myself on other defenders like I could at 290-plus pounds. I felt I would have an advantage with that additional weight.”

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