Tuesday July 29, 2008

ACC Linebackers / Ryan Update

Ryan Update 7-29
Yesterday was another great day for Ryan on three fronts. He had three good friends from his school come up from Clemson and they spent the night in Charlotte so they will get to see him again today.

He also was able to throw a ball yesterday. Ryan is getting better with his motor skills and the occupational therapists have been working with him to help his use of his hands. Ryan is now able to grab a ball and throw it. This is a big improvement from a week ago.

One last thing and perhaps the best news is the fact that Ryan is starting to laugh out loud. He had been laughing silently with a huge smile and a jiggling stomach. But now he is making noise when he laughs.

Also, Ryan is speaking much more clearly and with a better pace each and every day. I did not see Ryan yesterday but did get a chance to speak to him on the phone and he has made dramatic improvements with his speech.

I will see Ryan early this afternoon and should have more details and better news tomorrow.

Please know that we tell Ryan everyday that a lot of people are praying for him and he is aware and appreciative of that. Thanks so much for your very kind thoughts and prayers.

ACC Linebackers
1. Wake Forest
The Headliner-Aaron Curry might be the best linebacker in the ACC. He is a big play waiting to happen. Curry could contend for ACC player of the year honors.
The Depth-Stanley Arnoux and Chantz McClinic give Wake three senior returning starters at linebacker. Arnoux is the better prospect.
The Future-Scott Betros will be counted upon heavily when the three seniors graduate.

2. Boston College
The Headliner-Brian Toal returns after a year off. He is one of the most productive players in the league and a very important part of this defense. Few players are the heart and soul of a unit like Toal is for BC.
The Depth-Mark Herzlich would be the headline guy if Toal had not returned. He had a terrific junior season that included 10.5 sacks.
The Future-Nick Clancy was one of the top two or three players signed from last year's class. He may take over for Toal.

3. Miami
The Headliner-Daryl Sharpeton is not a first round draft pick but he is a productive player. He was nicked a little a year ago but so was the rest of this unit.
The Depth-Glenn Cook missed all of last year with an injury but he is a talent. Colin McCarthy and Spencer Adkins are very talented.
The Future-Arthur Brown should remind cane fans of the great backers of their past. He is as good as any freshman in America.

4. Virginia
The Headliner- Clint Sintim is a perfect outside linebacker in this 3-4 scheme in that he makes big play.
The Depth-Jon Cooper led the Cavs in tackles a year ago. Antonio Appleby is a third senior returning starter. UVA asks a lot of the backers but this group is a strength.
The Future-Cameron Johnson is a great looking athlete that should fit into the scheme as an outside linebacker.

5. Maryland
. The Headliner-Dave Philistin might be the top inside linebacker in the ACC. He will get more attention now that Erin Henderson has moved on.
The Depth-Adrian Moten and Moises Fokou are two of the better linebackers in the ACC this season. Fokou could be an All-ACC candidate this year.
The Future-The Terps have not recruited the headline guy of the future so this class will be a key at this spot.

6. Florida State
The Headliner-Derek Nicholson is the last of a great line of FSU linebackers until this freshman class arrives. Nicholson is a future NFL pick.
The Depth-Dakota Watson is very productive and covers well in space. The Seminoles are not as deep here as the have been in recent years.
The Future-Nigel Bradham looks like what FSU used to play with. He and Nigel Carr give FSU fans more hope at this position in the future.

7. North Carolina
The Headliner-Quan Sturdivant had a good freshman sason but much more is expected as his role increases. There is little doubt about his talent.
The Depth-Wesley Flagg and Chase Rice should start this season. Rice was injured early last season but should be 100%.
The Future-Kevin Reddick might get a shot this season. He remionds some of Sturdivant coming out of high school.

8. Duke
The Headliner-Mike Tauliili just keeps racking up tackles. He is a tackling machine that sees a lot of action from his inside position. This is his fourth year as a starter and NFL teams will take notice.
The Depth-Vincent Ray had an incredible sophomore season and actually led the team in tackles last season. Marcus Jones might be the best athlete of the three returning starters.
The Future-Trent Mackey is the best of the linebackers in Cutcliffe's first class.

9. Virginia Tech
The Headliner-Cam Martin is the only returning starter for the Hokies at linebacker. He will have a much bigger role this season but they will be hard placed to replace Hall and Adibi.
The Depth-Brett Warren and Purnell Sturdivant are two seniors that have the inside track on replacing the All-ACC backers from last season.
The Future-Bruce Taylor is a South Carolina native that could avoid a red-shirt season because the Hokies need help here.

10. Clemson
The Headliner-There is no true headliner in this group but Brandon Maye is the most important key in this unit. His development could turn a good defense into a great one.
The Depth-Question marks here. Will McDaniel play SAM? Will Cooper rebound from the Spring? Will Hunter be ready to make his mark? Can Conner step up? Too many question marks to feel great about this unit.
The Future-Stanley Hunter is a terrific football player. He will have an adjustment to make with his new position but he has the make up to be a great one.

11. Georgia Tech-
The Headliner-Tech has been very good here but Wheeler and Guyton are gone. Shane Bowen is the best of the remaining linebackers.
The Depth-The Jackets have to replace two starters and Anthony Barnes and Brad Jefferson have a chance but they have to hold off the freshmen.
The Future-Steven Sylvester and B.J. Machen have a chance to make an immediate impact because of the new staff and there are opportunities on the depth chart.

12. NC State
The Headliner-State has to replace all three backers from a year ago and there is no one here that teams have to game plan for.
The Depth-Nate irving is the most experienced guy here and he is just a sophomore. Irving did fill in well during his freshman campaign. Ray Michel play a little last year as a back up as well.
The Future-Red-shirt freshman Audie Cole could start this season but keep an eye out for true freshman Terrell Manning.

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