Ingram Flying High At Farmington

FARMINGTON -- Big things are expected of Farmington's biggest target on the football field this fall. And if this offseason is any indication, Michael Ingram is more than ready for his opportunity in the spotlight.

Ingram, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound senior, has been around the Cardinals' program plenty the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he was a top wide receiver on a Farmington team that finished 7-4 and advanced to the Class 4A playoffs. Then as a junior, Ingram again had a key role in the offense as the Cardinals went 6-4-1 with another trip to the first round of the postseason.

But two years of steady contribution is different than what coaches at Farmington want out of Ingram this season. Now bigger and stronger than ever, Ingram is expected to be the go-to guy in a Cardinals' offense which should use the passing game as a major strength this fall.

"He had a really good sophomore year and kind of an OK junior year," Farmington coach Mike Adams said. "But he's really grown into his own this year. He dominated us in spring practice.

"He really worked hard in track and got his speed down. He runs a high 4.6, low 4.7 now where in the past he was a 4.9 guy. So it's really helped him, and he's going to get a chance. Harding likes him and Arkansas State has looked at him. He's a big kid and he has real nice hands and he makes all the tough catches."

Ingram showed off his strength and development at Farmington's team camp Monday. Facing off against Gravette and Pea Ridge defenders, Ingram had his number called on several deep routes and used his speed and playmaking ability to create big catch after big catch for the Cardinals.

"I just need to keep hustling out there every day," Ingram said. "Just keep working hard and don't quit and go out there and make every catch and keep running."

Ingram might be Farmington's top receiver this fall, but he won't be alone in the Cardinals' talented receiving corps.

"That's probably going to be the strength of our team is our receivers," Adams said. "On the other side at X we've got Evan O'Dell, another senior, who is an excellent route runner. Nick Huff is 6-3 and will create some matchup problems. We'll use Josh Blew in the slot and he's our fastest kid and Chase Turner is our tight end.

"Right now, we'll have to utilize those guys because they're the most experienced guys on our team."

Ingram hopes to use a big senior season to help him further his football career into college. So far through the offseason, the focus and determination have been there front and center for this Farmington senior.

Now it's about carrying that momentum into the real season, and Ingram knows this is his moment to shine.

"We told him if you're going to be a big time player this is the time to show it," Adams said. "There were several days in the spring where we never even got him on the ground. "He's gotten faster and he's so strong and he's going to be a matchup problem for some people."