Tuesday July 15, 2008

Ryan Update / ACC Offensive Linemen

Ryan Update 7-15
Every morning I say the same prayer when I ask God to let today be Ryan's best day. It seems God answers that prayer every day. The news just keeps getting better.

Monday Ryan was talking more than ever. He was talking more in sentences and longer conversations the last two days. He was able to recognize shapes and also was able to read words on selected cards during his speech therapy.

Stef and Ryan have the same cell phones but different colors. Yesterday she showed Ryan her cell phone yesterday and asked him what it was. Ryan said, "Your cell phone." She said how do you know and he said, "Because its black." She said, "What color is your phone?" and Ryan answered, "White." She asked what kind of phones they had and he told her chocolate phones.

Ryan received 10 Botox shots yesterday to help relax some of his joints and muscles. They put a cast on his left wrist in order to straighten it. His right leg is doing so much better today.

I am headed back to Charlotte this morning and should more detailed information for the blog tomorrow. You guys have been awesome and your prayers have made a he impact. Thanks so much.

ACC Offensive Linemen
1. Maryland
The Headliner-This is perhaps the best line Maryland has had in years, Edwin Williams might be the best center in the ACC and he is one of four returning starters.
The Big UgliesJamie Thomas is an All-ACC candidate at one guard position and Scott Burley is the same at his tackle spot. Dane Randolph is one of four senior returning starting offensive linemen.
The FutureWith so many seniors the Terps would like to play some younger guys to lessen the burden of rebuilding in 09.

2. Virginia Tech
The Headliner-Sergio Render is considered by some as the top offensive lineman in the ACC while other think Eugene Monroe from Virginia holds that honor.
The Big UgliesThe Hokies have question marks on offense but not along the front. This is a strength as four guys return. Nick Marshman gives Tech one of the top guard combinations in America. Ed Wang returns after missing last year with an injury.
The FutureVinston Painter was a blue chipper that had major offers abd Blake DeChristopher gets a chance as a red-shirt freshman.

3. Boston College
The Headliner-Boston College continues to put linemen in the league and they return three starters this season. Matt Tennant is not a big name like they have had in years past but he is solid.
The Big UgliesAnthony Castonzo struggled at times last season as a freshman but he gained experience and moved to left tackle in the spring.
The FutureMike Goodman is a very good looking lineman that could play this season which is rare at BC.

4. Miami
The Headliner-Reggie Youngblood is a multi-year starter and the best of an inexperienced but talented Miami offensive line.
The Big Uglies Orlando Franklin was considered by some as the top freshmen in the league a year ago. A.J. Trump is a typical Miami guard in that he is athletic and very strong. Jason Fox is yet another strength of this unit.
The FutureBrandon Washington has a chance to play but there is enough depth here for him to red-shirt.

5. North Carolina
The Headliner-Calvin Darity was one of the highest recruited offensive linemen in the country when he came out of high school and he has been a solid performer under both staffs.
The Big UgliesThe Heels return four starters along this solid front but UNC must run the football better in 08. Garrett Reynolds is a terrific looking senior offensive tackle. He is their best looking prospect.
The FutureCarl Gaskins is a red-shirt freshman that may have a chance but the depth chart is stacked with more experience

6. Georgia Tech-
The Headliner-Tech has a few All-ACC candidates this season but Andrew Gardner might be their best choice. He will be a big factor in the Jackets transition to the new offense.
The Big UgliesGeorgia Tech is pretty inexperienced up front but you don't have to be dominating in this offense. The techniques will change and the adaptation of this unit will be crucial.
The FutureNick McRae is headliner of the three offensive line they inked in February.

7. Clemson
The Headliner-Thomas Austin is one of the most versatile and dependable linemen in the ACC.
The Big UgliesTalent is there but experience is the missing ingredient. Chris Hairston is a talent but the key may be red-shirt freshmen like David Smith and Mason Cloy.
The FutureAntoine McClain might be the best lineman Tommy Bowden has signed.

8. Florida State
The Headliner-Rodney Hudson was a freshman last season but gained valuable experience and will now be counted on to anchor this front.
The Big Uglies Ryan McMahon is a very good center who played as a freshman last year.
The FutureThe Seminoles have placed a lot of emphasis on recruiting more linemen in recent years and it is starting to show. They are talented but extremely young. Antwante Greenlee is perhaps the best of the young linemen.

9. Virginia
The Headliner-The Cavs received great news this winter when Eugene Monroe decided to skip the NFL Draft to return to school. Monroe would have been a very high pick in the draft and is now considered one of the top linemen in America.
The Big UgliesThe bad news is Virginia has to replace a terrific line from last year. Will Barker might have a good chance at the NFL with a solid junior and senior season.
The Futurematt Mahalik will need to gain size and strength but he was highly thought of.

10. Wake Forest
The Headliner-The Deacs have to replace one of their best linemen in school history in Steve Justice and ineligible guard Chris DeGeare. Perhaps their best is Barrett McMillin who returns at guard.
The Big UgliesWake his not run the football as effectively as they did when Grobe first arrived so the pressure is on this inexperienced line. Russell Nenon played a lot last year as a red-shirt freshman.
The FutureWake signed three offensive linemen in February with Garrick Williams being the most highly regarded.

11. NC State
The Headliner-Chris Crouch is one of the most experienced linemen in the conference.
The Big UgliesState has issues on its offensive line with Julian Williams the only other returning starter.
The FutureR.J. Mattes was perhaps the best offensive linemen in the state last season and he may have a chance to play as a true freshman.

12. Duke
The Headliner-Cameron Goldberg is a very experienced left tackle and Fred Roland is solid at the right tackle spot.
The Big UgliesDuke has not been able to run the football but Cutcliffe is hoping to change that. They have to become more productive upfront.
The FutureBrian Moore might be the best player the staff signed in their first season.

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