There is no definitive way to be a leader, but Warren Central has molded its players with different leadership skills and styles.

Larry Ferguson is among those who have developed into key leaders for the Vikings. He’s able to communicate to his peers in ways they’re responsive to without raising his voice.

“He’s encouraging and positive. If you don’t listen to him he’ll get your attention,” Vikings coach Josh Morgan said. “There are very few true leaders, but he is one. When times get tough and you know you can look to somebody like him who’s going to be a calm in the storm, who’s going to be poised and adversity doesn’t have a lot of an effect on him.”

Ferguson was one part of a deep receiving corps last season. He was one of four Warren Central players who caught at least 19 passes and had 300 or more receiving yards. He had 23 receptions for 338 yards and one touchdown as the Vikings finished 9-3.

Going into his senior year, Ferguson wants the team to have a season similar to last year.

“Like coach tells us all the time, get better every year,” Ferguson said. “I’ve worked on blocking, running after contact, catching the ball, keeping my eye on the ball and encouraging teammates.”

Once players get a sense of Ferguson’s calm demeanor in games, it has a contagious effect on his teammates.

Morgan described Ferguson as a good teammate who makes big plays. Aside from catching the ball well, he can block as well as anyone on the field.

Ferguson has big hands, long arms and a 6-foot-8 wingspan. He’s worked on his strength and agility this summer.

The fundamentals of being a receiver include blocking and footwork as well as catching the ball. Ferguson has those skills, giving him the ability to step in at a moment’s notice — and not just on offense. Ferguson will also play defensive back this season.

“He’s been here this summer working trying to put everything he can into this last year that he’s got,” Morgan said. “He’s done a really good job of taking on the captain role.”

Morgan wants to be able to mold Ferguson into a clutch playmaker he can rely on in a tough situation.

“I’m hoping when we call him on there to make a play, on third down for instance, that we feel really good about converting it because we’re going to him,” Morgan said.

“If we know we can get it around Larry and he can catch it, that’s a big plus for our offense and quarterback,” the coach added. “Hopefully we’ll get to the point where he has that mindset of ‘if it’s close to me I’m going to bring it down.’”