Wednesday August 13, 2008

Untouchables / Ryan Update

Ryan Update 8-13
Today is the 73rd day Ryan has been in the hospital and the final full day barring any setbacks. We were a little concerned about his release yesterday because he developed a fever but they quickly got it under control. Ryan had a brutal workout day on Monday. They really worked him out had and he was spent last night. He picked out his wheel chair yesterday, but again, I am prayerful this is a temporary deal.

He is on a field trip today to see how he does in public as one of his therapists is taking him to Dick’s Sporting Goods and McDonalds. When he returns at noon, they will finish with another full day of rehab.

One of the best things I saw from Ryan last night was his improved balance. He gets himself up and sits upright in the bed. Balance is still an issue with walking but I think this is a big step in regaining his overall balance.

Ryan’s major issues are:
1. Short-term memory
2. Walking
3. Coordination with his hands
4. Slow speech

However, I truly believe all of these will be conquered with Ryan’s hard work through therapy. He is improving every day in each of those aspects and we have seen nothing that says he will not make a 100% recovery in time. Looking back 73 days ago and those issues look minor compared to the 50-50 shot the doctors gave him to live. Ryan has overcome burns, cuts, broken bones and most of the issues that traumatic brain injuries present. There is no doubt in our minds that the miracles will continue.

Please join us for Ryan’s 17th birthday party drop-in at Valley Walk behind the Esso Club in Clemson. The drop-in is Saturday from 4-7 PM. No gifts please. We would love for you to see Ryan and to get a chance to thank you for your kindness. Thanks for everything.

The Untouchables
Georgia received perhaps its worst case scenario on the injury front when left tackle Trinton Sturdivant was lost for the season with a torn ACL this week. We have seen other major injuries across college football in the pre-season camp including Rashaad Jackson at Clemson.

Below is my list of the top 10 players Clemson would have the hardest time replacing. This is not a list of the top players but is instead a list of the guys Clemson could least afford to lose to injuries. Cross your fingers the Tigers stay lucky on this group:

1. Thomas Austin-He is the undisputed leader of this young offensive line. Austin gives Brad Scott a bright player that makes others around him better. Mason Cloy or Barry Humphries could step-in here but I think Austin is almost irreplaceable. Leadership and intelligence is a big part of this year’s needs along the line so Austin can’t go down.

2. Michael Hamlin-The Tigers found out what it was like without Hamlin when he injured his foot as a sophomore but don’t want to repeat it. He has started the last 30 games he has played. Like Austin, Hamlin is an intelligent player that helps others with their assignments. He can play close to the line of scrimmage in his run support but also excels against the pass. The defense would miss Hamlin’s leadership if he went down.

3. Chris Hairston-Coaches rave about his ability and think he is an upgrade from last season. Hairston is a terrific athlete. I am not sure you want freshmen stepping in and starting so Hairston has to stay upright.

4. Corey LambertThe right tackle has had a very good camp as his sense of urgency increases. Lambert is finally starting to show his upside. I like Landon Walker and Antoine McClain but I am not sure I am ready to see them forced into a starting spot.

5. Ricky Sapp-It has taken some time but Sapp is very motivated this year and has worked extremely hard in the off-season. Clemson would miss his pass rushing skills but his back-up Kourtnei Brown is a good pass rusher. Sapp has improved his overall game and is more consistent now. I think he is poised for a huge junior season.

6. Brandon Maye-It probably speaks volumes about your linebacking corps that a freshman is this important. The Tigers lose Courtney Vincent and Antonio Clay before their eligibility was up and Nick Watkins and Tramaine Billie used all of their up. Maye has talent but lacks experience. I like Buster Hunter who is his back up but he is still making an adjustment and physically may not be ready for 60 snaps per game. Maye can develop into the emotional leader of the linebackers.

7. Jacoby Ford-The Tigers are 6-6 in games where Ford has played less than 10 snaps. Clemson’s offense misses this weapon when he is injured. Ford stretches the defense and keeps backside linebackers and defensive backs closer to home because of the threat of a reverse. I think he is a huge key to the offense and I don’t want to go through another game without this burner.

8. Cullen Harper-Don’t get me wrong, I think Clemson can win with Willy Korn under center and I think the Korn era will be extremely successful. However, I am not sure I want to start it this season. Harper has delivered and has the confidence of his teammates. Experience at this position is a big key. There are few things a defense can throw at him that he has not already seen.

9. Aaron Kelly-Like with Harper, I am comfortable with Kelly’s replacements. I think Xavier Dye can develop into a star. Byron Clear shows signs of getting closer as well. Down the road the younger wide outs will get there share to break Kelly’s marks but we are talking about a guy that can break the school’s all-time leading receiver marks in the first game of his senior season.

10. Mark Buchholz-I might be the only man in America that feels this way but I trust Buchholz. He is having another good camp and I expect a big senior year for the place-kicker. Buchholz is also valuable as a kick-off specialist. Richard Jackson and Spencer Benton may battle next spring but I don’t want to see it this fall.

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