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February 11, 2010

'New England's Heisman'

After record-setting college career, Farnham eyes professional football

By David Willis

Former Andover star Buddy Farnham has received plenty of congratulations during his record-setting football career. But few were as memorable as the one he received from his idol, nine-year NFL veteran and fellow Brown legend Sean Morey.

"I got a text message from Morey," said Farnham. "He said, 'Congratulations on the great career, and we'll talk more soon.' He's been a role model for me for years."

Congratulatory calls from NFL Pro Bowlers don't come every day, but neither do careers like the one Farnham wrapped up this fall at Brown.

Now, Farnham is looking to follow in the footsteps of Morey, to overcome the odds and travel the road from Brown to professional football, and possibly the National Football League.

"That's the plan and I plan to pursue it," said Farnham recently. "I have talked to people and coaches are helping me out. They feel strongly that I'll get a chance somewhere, and that's all I can really ask for."

After the exploits and numbers Farnham has posted throughout his football career, it seems a risky bet to wager against the record-setting wideout.

"Things have gone so well for him," said father Mark Farnham. "He's had a great career, with awards and an Ivy League title. He did a very good job."

Farnham simply rewrote the record books during a four-year career at Andover High (2002-05). He set what is believed to be school records in catches (154), receiving yards (2,664) and interceptions (20) for his high school career, and was named an All-Scholastic each of his final two seasons.

He then made the decision to follow the family tradition and play football at Brown. But he had quite a legacy to live up to.

His father was first-team All-Ivy in 1979 and is a member of the Brown athletic Hall of Fame. His uncle Bob Farnham was All-Ivy first-team in 1975 and 1976, and is also a member of the Hall of Fame, and his uncle Paul Farnham was All-Ivy second team in 1982.

Buddy nearly saw his career derailed as a freshman. After struggling in his first college season (14 catches, 191 yards), it was discovered he needed career-threatening microfracture knee surgery.

But just a year later he caught 78 passes for 885 yards and 10 touchdowns and was named first-team All-Ivy for the first of three times, and it was smooth sailing from there.

In his final season at Brown, Farnham led the Ivy League in receiving yards with 1,003 (239 more than No. 2), receptions with 74 (8 more than No. 2), TD catches with 11 (5 more than No. 2) and scoring with 72 points (18 more than No. 2).

It was just the eighth 1,000-plus yards receiving season in Brown history.

"Last winter and spring (2009) I would leave school and come home to work out every weekend at Athletic Evolution in Woburn," said Farnham. "I also spent five days a week during the summer there.

"To reach my goal there are going to be a lot of sacrifices. If one of them had to be giving up the 'college life,' I'm going to do that. I have goals, and that is what's most important to me."

The awards have poured in for Farnham following his outstanding senior season. He was named second-team Associated Press All-American and took home the 71st annual Bulger Lowe Award (known as "New England's Heisman Trophy") as the offensive MVP in the region. BC linebacker Mike McLaughlin won defensive honors.

He also received the Gold Helmet Award as the outstanding player in New England by the New England Football Writers and was named Ivy League co-Player of the Year.

"I go into every season expecting to do big things," said Farnham, who continued the family tradition of wearing No. 46. "I go into every game looking to make it the best game of my career."

Farnham, who'll turn 23 in May, finished his career with 229 receptions for 2,895 yards, both good for fourth on Brown's all-time list. Morey (Farnham's idol) and former NFLer Chas Gessner are each in the Top 2.

"I look back now and I couldn't be more thrilled with my career," said Farnham. "I always pushed myself and I was very lucky."

Now the 6-foot, 200-pounder hopes to defy the odds and follow their path to the pros.

"I have been in contact with agents," he said. "I have talked to some former Brown players that got the chance and have bounced around. I am in training and I plan to give it my best chance."

Road to the NFL

Following a stellar career at Brown, Andover's Buddy Farnham now hopes to make a dent in the NFL. In the Super Bowl era (1967-present), seven Brown alums have made the NFL:

namepositionyearsaccomplishments

Sean Morey receiver/special teams1999-presentPro Bowler (2008), Super Bowl champ (2006).

Zak DeOssielinebacker/special teams2007-presentPro Bowler (2008), Super Bowl champ (2008).

Chas Gessnerreceiver2007Played in one NFL game. Standout in NFL Europe and Arena League.

Steve Jordantight end1982-94Six-time Pro Bowler (1986-91), 498 career catches, 6,307 yards.

Keiron Bigbyreceiver1987Played in one NFL game, 0 catches.

John Woodringlinebacker1981-85Played 52 career games, one sack

John Sinnottoffensive tackle1982Started nine career games.

Stats according to pro-football-reference.com

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'New England's Heisman'
by By David Willis , , Thu Feb 11, 2010, 02:20 PM EST
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