Monday August 04, 2008

Clemson Defensive Backs / Ryan Update

Ryan Update 8-4

Ryan had his best days and best weekend yet. His progress is remarkable. It is so much fun to be around him now as his sense of humor comes back every day.

He still does rehab on Saturdays but it is just half days then he gets a day and a half to rest on Saturday and Sunday. Sunday was yet another break through day as Ryan was playing tricks on us and joking around with us.

One of the best things I saw him do this weekend was improve in his motor skills. Last Tuesday it took him about 10 minutes to get his socks off but Saturday and Sunday he got each off in less than 10 seconds. He still shakes a lot when he tries to fine tune each movement with his hands but that is also getting better. The shaking makes it difficult for Ryan to feed himself but again those fine tune motor skills continue to improve.

Ryan is speaking better each day also. His speech is clearer and faster but it is more of what he says that encourages us. His short-term memory is getting better each day. On Saturday he could tell us everyone that visited him that day which was a first for Ryan. He was also able to do the same thing Sunday.

Ryan is also improving in his walking. In fact, he requests that we walk even after therapy is over. It takes a couple of people to hold his hips and balance him, but Ryan bears all of the weight and takes huge steps. When his balance improves he will be able to walk on his own.

Twice this weekend we let Ryan sit on the couch in a recreation room. He was able to sit up and balance himself without falling over. He could not do this last week.

I think the best thing about the weekend was Ryan’s spirit and mood. He loves for his family and friends to lay in the bed with him. He always asks, “Anyone want to come lay down with me?”

He is also very excited about his birthday party. He asks all of the time who is coming and he said he can’t want to meet everyone. I will let you know the time and location but we would love to see everyone Saturday, August 16. The party will be in Clemson in the afternoon but I expect to have a location and time nailed down by Wednesday of this week. Please make plans to drop by and see Ryan and we would love to say thanks for your prayers. No gifts please but your company would be welcomed.

I just want to thank everyone so much for everything you have done. Please know that our family will be forever grateful for your countless prayers.

Clemson Defensive Backs

This is perhaps the most experienced group on campus this season. This secondary is experienced and talented. NFL scouts will get a long look at this secondary this season.

Chris Chancellor is the most experienced and most fundamentally sound of the cornerbacks. Chancellor has worked to become bigger and stronger but he is more known for being the best cover corner. This is a competitor who does the little things in order to get better. He plays more physical than his size would indicate. Chancellor understands the scheme and makes more plays than any Clemson cornerback.

Crezdon Butler started every game a year ago and is poised for another good season. This is one of the career interception leaders in the ACC among active players. Butler is a physical player that has turned into a better open field tackler.

Byron Maxwell played in every game last season after red-shirting as a freshman. He actually played over 300 plays a year ago and improved as he gained more confidence. I think Maxwell has a chance to continue to get better and may challenge for a starting spot at some point this season. His size gives him a major advantage.

Marcus Gilchrist played in every game as a true freshman last season and played over 150 snaps. He got better in the spring and impressed coaches with his conditioning this summer. I think Gilchrist could see his playing time double in his sophomore season.

Cody Sensabaugh red-shirted last year bit he impressed in the spring. The secondary is crowded but Sensabaugh played well enough to afford the staff to move Haydrian Lewis to safety.

Xavier Brewer is a true freshman that did not report to campus until the day before camp started. I have not heard anything on his condition but I would be very surprised if he did not red-shirt this season.

Michael Hamlin is the leader of this defense. The senior is one of the most respected players on this team and is a very bright leader. Hamlin is the complete safety that excels against the pass and run. Hamlin is the heart and soul of the defense and a future NFLer. If Clemson is to have a magical season, Hamlin will have to a major part of it. He has started 30 games in his Clemson career.

Chris Clemons is just a solid safety that excels in open field tackling. He rarely makes mistakes but also rarely makes big plays. I think he will need to become more of a big play maker to advance this defense. His steady influence has been seen in his 26 starts at Clemson.

Sadat Chambers has played safety, linebacker and tailback in his short two seasons. He moves back to his more natural position of safety for the 2008 season. Chambers is a physical safety that excels in his run support. Depth at safety is a key and the signing of two highly rated tailbacks allowed Chambers to come back to safety.

Haydrian Lewis missed the last half of 2007 with a torn ACL. He is also playing a new position at safety after spending his first two seasons at corner. I think Lewis is more suited to safety and I think he will contribute there this season.

Spencer Adams is a track star who could play as a true freshman. Here is one of the fastest athletes on campus but he will need to get bigger and stronger in the off-season. Adams does pack a powerful punch though. I think you will see Adams hit the field this season, especially on special teams.

Rashard Hall and Carlton Lewis are two true freshman that have also reported to camp in good shape. I think either or both could grab the fourth safety slot and be special teams contributors this season. Both have looked good in the first three days of practice.

In summary, this group is the best secondary Clemson has fielded since Bowden arrived. The unit has talent, experience and attitude. I look for the secondary to be a major force on a very good football team this season.

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