Tuesday June 24, 2008

Ryan Update / ACC Running Backs

Ryan Update 6-24
Perhaps the biggest news on Ryan today is another positive. The respiratory therapist came by this morning and capped his trach and Ryan responded very well. He is now breathing through his nose and mouth for the first time since the accident. This will enable Ryan to do other things like get to have an MRI sooner. He will have the trach capped for a couple of hours to see how he continues to react.

Ryan had a splint made for his left hand and wrist yesterday. It will keep him from damaging his fingers long-term because he clinches then together so hard. His left leg continues to be very active.

Monday he did not respond as much to physical therapy because it was after lunch and he had some medication before to help him relax. He did not responded too well to physical therapy again today but he has been tired.

Ryan's neuro-surgeon said today that it continues to be difficult to tell when he will start taking another step. He said brain injuries are so unpredictable. Yesterday he said may surprise us in the next week or two with some big progress but today he said it may take to the end of the summer before he recognizes us. This is nothing new as he has told us to prepare for a long summer.

Kelly wants to thank all of her friends in West Virginia, Ohio, Virginia and North Carolina who are reading this everyday and praying for Ryan. She is not able to respond to each of you but is thankful for your prayers.

ACC Running Backs
1. Clemson
StarterJames Davis has a chance to be the school's leading career rusher and a three-time first-team All-ACC. He is the best back in the league and came back for his senior year to win a title.
DepthC.J. Spiller might be the second best back in the ACC. He has electric stuff and game changing ability. No back embarrasses defenders like Spiller can.
FutureThe Tigers inked two good ones in Jamie Harper and Andre Ellington. Clemson fans have visions of Thunder and Lightning II.

2. N.C. State
StarterI am giving State a pass for last season because of all of the injuries at this position. Jamelle Eugene is the leading returning rusher with 667 yards from a year ago but the depth here is terrific.
DepthAndre Brown and Toney Baker are NFL-type backs. Both are talented but both are coming off of injures. Don't be surprised to see both of these backs in the league a long time.
FutureState's recruiting received a big momentum boost when they got a commitment from Brandon Barnes.

3. Wake Forest
StarterJosh Adams is one of the top three or four backs in the ACC. His freshman season included some long runs that broke a couple of games open. He is a terrific athlete with good top-end speed.
DepthThe staff thinks Brandon Pendergrass might be better than Adams. He is bigger and faster.
FutureWake is young here with a sophomore and a red-shirt freshman but Chris Givens has ability.

4. Miami
StarterThis program has not produced NFL-type running backs like it used to. Javarris James had a good freshman season but was plagued with injuries last year. Look for him to return to his freshman form.
DepthCraig Cooper showed signs of greatness as a freshman but he needs to be more consistent for the running game to improve from last year's total.
FutureShawnbrey McNeal is a breakaway threat with tremendous open-field speed.

5. Georgia Tech
StarterJonathan Dwyer was a big recruiting coup for Tech and it did not take long for him to prove his worth. The new offense may very well suit his abilities.
DepthTech's new offense will feature wing backs so players like Roddy Jones, and Jamaal Evans have a chance to impress.
FutureRichard Watson, Marcus Wright and Embry Peebles will get an early look because of the new staff.

6. FSU
StarterI keep hearing how talented FSU is at tailback but I just don't see it on the field. Maybe it is more of the line issues than their backs. Antoine Smith is good but I am not sure he is great. He shows signs but is inconsistent.
DepthThe Noles like JUCO back Tavares Pressley who may win the back-up job.
FutureFSU inked some good ones like AJ Alexander, Carlton Jones, Jermaine Thomas and others in hopes of reviving the running game.

7. Virginia
StarterCedric Peerman got off to a good start last season before he was injured. He is one of the top five or six backs in the league.
DepthMikell Simpson was a big surprise last season in the way he finished the year on a strong note. Keith Payne is a power back that may be used in short-yardage.
FutureTorrey Mack is an atletic back that might be the top prospect Virginia inked in February.

8. Virginia Tech
StarterTech kicked Brandon Ore out of school so this is an area of concern. Injuries are also a factor here. Darren Evans is a red-shirt freshman that may have a good shot this fall.
DepthKenny Lewis was hurt in the spring and won't be available until September. Josh Oglesby was highly recruited but he has not won the job. Jahre Cheeseman was injured in the spring as well.
FutureRyan Williams is the next great Tech back and it may have to be this year. No freshman tailback will be counted on more than Williams.

9. North Carolina
StarterUNC could not run the ball in 2007 but the staff thinks they have found their answer in moving Greg Little to tailback from wide receiver.
DepthJohnny White was the starter last season but he is not a great threat so he moved to corner. Ryan Houston is a power back who struggled as a freshman.
FutureJamal Womble is a west coast prospect who may get an early look.

10. Maryland
StarterThe Terps lose their top two backs from last year and Da'Rel Scott takes over as a sophomore speedster.
DepthMorgan Green will split time with Scott and is another highly recruited sophomore back.
FutureDarren Meggett and Gary Douglass are two true freshmen that may have a chance at the third back on the depth chart.

11. Duke
StarterRe'quan Boyette is a senior returning starter but he has not had a lot to work with in terms of an offensive line. He is not the problem with the Duke running game.
DepthThis is an issue as there is a drop off after Boyette. The staff was not able to identify more backs this past spring.
FutureJay Hollingsworth may flourish in the new offense that will require pass catching skills from the backs.

12. Boston College
StarterThe Eagles lose their top two backs from last season. True freshman Josh Haden enrolled early and won the job in the spring. He is the most talented of the backs left over.
DepthDan Mulrooney is another freshman that might be the number-two guy because there is little depth here.
FutureHaden is the guy here. BC just is depleted and will be forced to play freshmen all season at this position.

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