Tuesday July 22, 2008

Ryan Update / ACC Defensive Linemen

Ryan Update 7-22
God has blessed us again with another great day for Ryan. His appetite is strong and his will to get better keeps getting stronger.

Ryan got his cast off of his left wrist yesterday and they were pleased with the initial results. His new cast was too tight on his fingers so they took it off as well and he will get a new one tomorrow.

Yesterday was Ryan's busiest day of therapy. He had five and a half hours of rehab on Monday as his stamina will get tested even more today. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, recreational therapy, speech therapy and cognitive therapy took up most of Ryan's day.

Yesterday they made another change to Ryan's medicine and he appears to be a little more aware yet a little more confused at the same time. His short-term memory is the slowest part of Ryan to return but that is fairly common. A lot of patients in his condition have what is termed as traumatic brain injury amnesia. In most cases, this condition gets better over time.

Every day Ryan prays. Everyday Ryan and his mom pray together. And every day we let Ryan know that there are thousands of people are praying for him. Thanks so much for your prayers!

ACC Defensive Linemen
1. Clemson
The Headliner -The Tigers are one of the few teams in the country to have NFL talent at all four positions on its defensive front. Scott and Jackson have first-day draft potential as seniors and Sapp might come out as a junior. Bowers is only a freshman but it is pretty easy to see his potential.
The Depth-Clemson is loaded especially at defensive tackle. Eight highly thought of tackles are on scholarship including Jenkins, Chavis and Cumbie.
The Future-Bowers and Thompson are a powerful combination in this class.

2. Georgia Tech-
The Headliner -Michael Johnson is a first round draft pick and he could be the best pass rusher in the ACC this season.
The Depth- Vance Walker and Daryl Richards give the Jackets one of the top two tackle combos in the league.
The Future-Derrick Morgan takes over at one defensive end after a good true freshman season.

3. Boston College
The Headliner-B.J. Raji missed last season due to academics but he might be the top defensive tackle in the ACC this year.
The Depth-Alex Albright and Ron Brace return to give the Eagles one of the top defensive lines in the country. Brace is a lot like Raji in that he is terribly difficult to move in the middle.
The Future-Kaleb Ramsey has a chance to avoid a red-shirt season but he should not beat out then upperclassmen.

4. Miami
The Headliner -Eric Moncur had six sacks as a junior and is trying to convince NFL scouts that his size is not an issue.
The Depth-The Canes have to replace Calais Campbell and two other starters from a year ago and they plan on doing it with young, inexperienced players.
The Future-Marcus Fortson looks like the Canes of the past. He was the best defensive tackle in America last season.

5. Florida State
The Headliner -Everette Brown is the only FSU defensive lineman that could have played back in the glory years but he is still not as talented as some of the DE we think about when remember the great ones.
The Depth-FSU has had a bunch of injuries along the front but the talent level has not come back up just yet. JUCO All-American Markus White will help right away.
The Future-Moses McCray was the highest thought of of the high school defensive linemen signed last year.

6. North Carolina
The Headliner -Marvin Austin is one of the top two sophomore defensive tackles in the country and a budding superstar. He is a rare athlete than can dominate offensive linemen with his strength and quickness. This is a future NFL star.
The Depth-E.J. Wilson is probably the most experienced of the remaining linemen. The Heels have to replace Kentwan Balmer and Cam Thomas will have the shot there.
The Future-Robert Quinn and Robert Couples are two of the best looking defensive linemen signed in the ACC last season.

7. Duke
The Headliner -Vince Oghobaase could start for any program in the country. He is the best Duke has ever had at this position. If he comes out this season he would be a first or second round pick.
The Depth-Anyanga Okpokowuruk would be the top Duke defender in many years but Oghobaase steals the show. This is a talented and experienced group.
The Future-Wesley Oglesby started 10 games last season as a true freshman.

8. Virginia Tech
The Headliner -Orien Martin is the only returning starter for the Hokies. He led the team in sacks a year ago.
The Depth-Tech has to replace some great ones and this is a rebuilding year along its front. However, Bud Foster does not believe in rebuilding.
The Future-Leon Mackey is a very athletic defender that might be rated slightly higher than Antoine Hopkins.

9. Wake Forest
The Headliner -Boo Robinson returned last season after missing a year with an injury. He is a massive defender.
The Depth-Wake loses two starters here but depth is a strong point. They have six of their top eight returning from last season.
The Future-Ramon Booi is yet another 320-pounder that can clog up the middle.

10. Maryland
The Headliner-Trey Covington is one of the most experienced defensive ends in the ACC. He has been a big part of the defense for four seasons.
The Depth-Jeremy Navarre is a former defensive end but he moves inside this season. This should help an inexperienced group.
The Future-Dion Armstrong red-shirted a year ago but he will compete for a starting spot as a freshman.

11. NC State
The Headliner -Willie Young is one of the top pass rushers in the league. He has a terrific first step and might have a chance to jump to the NFL with a great junior season.
The Depth-State has issues here as their talent level has dropped over the past two seasons. The Wolfpack used to scare people here but graduation and the NFL left a void.
The Future-LeRoy Burgess and Marty Everett are a couple of 300-pounders that could get a chance to help in 2008.

12. Virginia
The Headliner -Chris Long is the best defensive end in America. Oh wait, Long went to the NFL. The rest of the line also has to be replaced. So is there a headliner here? Nope.
The Depth-Nate Collins is perhaps the most experienced and he takes over at nose guard.
The Future-Buddy Ruff is the kind of nose guard that could excel in the 3-4 scheme the Cavs use.

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