Monday July 21, 2008

Ryan Update / Clemson Defensive Line

Ryan Update 7-21
The updates keep getting better for Ryan. He had another incredible weekend and helped entertain a bunch of visitors.

Ryan is talking more clearly and is quicker with his responses. When he speaks he drags out words longer than his normal speech but he still communicates each word. However, everyday he talks a little quicker.

His long term memory is almost 100% but Ryan still has some short-term memory issues. He has a hard time remembering what he had for breakfast or lunch today but he can tell you about games or trips he went on from years ago. His doctors say his short-term memory should improve over time.

Ryan's motor skills are also improving rapidly. Friday his physical therapist wanted him to do about five minutes on bike pedal-type of machine for his upper body but Ryan completed about 10 and a half minutes. Ryan is also walking better with assistance. He has issues with his balance but he can put one foot in front of the other.

We have seen his appetite continue to increase. Ryan not only finishes all three meals each day, he eats a couple of smoothies everyday and several pop-sickles. The doctors are encouraged by how well he eats and how much he eats.

Perhaps the best news came concerning his projected discharge date. Originally the staff projected July 31 as his departure date but they now may want to keep him there until the first week in August. At first I thought this was a negative bit they said it is actually the opposite. Since he is making so much progress, they feel another week there would help Ryan even more. When he is released he will have to return two or three days a week for outpatient rehab but the more he can progress while he is there means the less he will have to do as an outpatient.

Finally, I wanted to tell you about how positive Ryan is about this entire thing. He never complains and always sounds really positive. He always says he feels good and he loves conversation. I even have him imitating New York Yankee radio play-by-play announcer John Sterling when Ryan says, "Yankees Win! Thaaaaaaaa Yankees Win!" or "Another A-Bomb from A-Rod!"

Thanks so much for your prayers. Please know that they are making a big difference in Ryan's remarkable recovery.

Clemson Defensive Line
No position is deeper or more talented on this Clemson team than the defensive line. This group has NFL talent that reminds some of the dominant Tiger teams of the 1980s. Clemson has 15 defensive linemen including eight tackles and seven ends. Potential NFL-type players can be found up and down this defensive front. The staff is hopeful this group will be able to control the line of scrimmage and help a young group of linebackers.

The Tigers are loaded at defensive tackle where NFL scouts will get a good look at some future pros. Scott, Jenkins and Thompson are gap control run stuffers while Jackson, Chavis, Cumbie and Moore are athletic pass rushers.

Dorell Scott is the kind of talent that many project as a first day pick in the NFL draft. He is a big, gap control tackle that can also rush the passer. There are times when Scott is dominant.

Rashaad Jackson is probably the best athlete among the defensive tackles. I keep going back to the bowl game against Colorado where he hurdled an offensive lineman in pass protection. Jackson is a dynamic pass rusher from his inside position.

Jarvis Jenkinsis a lot like Scott in that he is a massive body. The key to Jenkins is his conditioning and he has done a terrific job here. One Clemson coach told me Jenkins is what the Tigers used to play with in the 1980s.

Miguel Chavis is a lot like Jackson in that he is a little undersized but he is a terrific athlete. Like Jackson, Chavis also plays with a motor that will not stop. These are two effort and energy players.

Jamie Cumbie was a good defensive end but he has a chance to become a great defensive tackle. Here is an athlete that was pretty quick at his old position but the move inside means he is quicker than most offensive guards.

Antwon Murchison would be a starter on many teams but is a third-team type of tackle at Clemson this season. This is a good example of how deep the Tigers are at this position.

Rennie Moore is a lot like Cumbie in that he is a big defensive end that is even more athletic when he moves inside. Moore did not red-shirt last season and he is a part of a group of players like Jenkins and Chavis who can separate in his sophomore season.

Brandon Thompson is a true freshman that should red-shirt but he has a huge upside. He is one of the highest rated players from this past class because he is a terrific leverage player with great strength.

Few schools in the country have recruited as well as the Tigers at defensive end. The Bamberg connection helps this tremendous talent upgrade at this position.

Rickey Sapp has had a good career so far but I expect a giant 2008. Sapp has had the tools and his work ethic kicked into a higher gear this off-season. I think he will showcase his NFL-type skills and may have a chance to leave school after a huge junior season.

Kourtnei Brown is the pass rushing specialist that is working harder to become an every down Bandit. Brown is quick enough and athletic enough but needs to continue to add size and strength.

Andre Branchis one of the most underrated players in the program. If it were not for Sapp and Brown, Branch would have more of a role this season. Look for him to make a bigger splash after Sapp leaves.

Brandon Clear Fr made some strides in the off-season but he is behind some very good football players heading into 2008.

DaQuan Bowers might be the most talented player to ever sign with Clemson. This is a freakish talent that could make an instant impact if his work ethic grows. He is the type of player offensive coordinators will have to gameplan against.

Kevin Alexander has the work ethic to hold off Bowers as a starter at this position. Few work as hard as Alexander who is also a fantastic athlete. Bowers gets the headlines but Alexander will not just give way because of Bowers' reputation.

Drew Traylor red-shirted a year ago but he will have to out-work the others to make up for their athletic advantage.

If you were around in the glory days of Clemson football then you remember Jeff Bryant, Michael Dean Perry and Trevor Pryce. If you were not around back then you may get a second chance this season.

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