Name: Jake Ryan
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 220 lbs.
High school: St. Ignatius High School in Westlake, OH
Position: Linebacker
Class: Freshman
Jersey number: N/A
Prediction for 2010: Redshirt
Ryan was a late, under-the-radar addition to Michigan's class. While he reported being recruited to play Craig Roh's outside linebacker position, I feel that he would contribute best to the team at middle linebacker. Not only does Michigan have a shortage of inside linebackers, but I think Ryan does a good job of playing downhill and has the requisite speed for the position. I also think he looks like a WVU middle linebacker, which is where this defense seems to be heading.
Whichever linebacker position he ends up playing, he's probably due for a redshirt. He's a little bit light to play at the college level just yet, and the middle linebacker position can be filled by some combination of Obi Ezeh, JB Fitzgerald, or Kenny Demens. But I do think Ryan has a bright future ahead of him.
If Ryan shows well in camp, the coaches will be tempted to play him. There are no clear heirs to the LB positions for 2011. If he looks more natural than Demens, Jones, et al, I think they will want to get his feet wet in prep for 2011.
ReplyDeleteThere's no need to play a freshman when they just redshirted Bell and Jones; and Demens and Fitzgerald are pushing Ezeh and Mouton for playing time. Ryan is nearly a lock to redshirt, IMO.
ReplyDelete