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| Jake Ryan |
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 242 lbs.
High school: Westlake (OH) St. Ignatius
Position: Linebacker
Class: Redshirt sophomore
Jersey number: #90
Last year: I ranked Ryan #27 and said he would be the backup SAM with 40 tackles and 2 sacks. He started eleven games at the position, making 37 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries.
Ryan probably had the biggest breakout season of any defender in 2011. As I hinted at in last year's countdown, he's the type of kid who's just always around the ball. In the opener against WMU, he hit the quarterback and caused the interception that was returned 94 yards for a touchdown by Brandon Herron. Against San Diego State, he recovered two fumbles. And in his most explosive game, the Sugar Bowl vs. Virginia Tech, Ryan made 7 tackles, 1 sack, and 4 tackles for loss, including a tackle of running back David Wilson 20 yards behind the line of scrimmage. Ryan wasn't perfect; he lost outside contain at times and wasn't great in pass coverage, but he was pretty good for a redshirt freshman.
This season he will likely continue to hold off Cam Gordon for the SAM linebacker job. Ryan has put on about twelve pounds in the offseason and looks considerably bigger. He played some snaps at defensive end in pass rush situations, and that role will probably expand with the unknown future of weakside end Frank Clark, who will likely face a suspension or worse for his alleged role in stealing a computer. Currently, Ryan and Gordon are the only two SAMs, so an injury to either one could force the coaches to shift another linebacker to the strong side. Ryan is going to see lots of playing time this year, and he's going to be rushing the quarterback from every angle possible. Not only will he be a better player in 2012; he should be more consistent.
Prediction: Starting SAM linebacker; 45 tackles, 5 sacks
Ryan is a fun player to watch. He charges at dudes with fury and his best big plays are where he executes with blinding speed and maybe goes a little unconventional (see: flying TFL against Purdue, forcing the pitch against Illinois).
ReplyDeleteTommy Reese looks like he wears thongs. Bubble ass i know how those ND players get done.
ReplyDeleteThis is a Kool picture of Jake in action; it typifies the type of player he is. No he's not the most athletic or the fastest player, but he has the heart of a traditional Michigan player. I wish we could put eleven of him on the field at the same time.
ReplyDeleteI disagree entirely. You're describing Desmond Morgan. Ryan is pretty darn athletic and speedy for his size and build.
DeleteWith as much as he will be rushing the QB and with the amount of athleticism he has, 5 sacks seems a little conservative, no?
ReplyDeleteHe was a full-time player last year, too, and only had 3 sacks.
DeleteCan one of this great blog's readers or authors help me out: Who else have we gotten from Westlake, Ohio? The heroic John Kolesar came to us from Westlake.
ReplyDeleteSection 1
Trent Zenkewiecz (DT from '90's) was also an Ignatius kid from Westlake.
DeleteRR's best catch next to Denard. UM finally gets their own USC-grade OLB. This kid is explosive and fun to watch. Lamar Woodley has turned into a good pro, but I think Ryan will be a more productive college player. I have not thought about who is left on the countdown, but this is a bit lower than I would put him. With Clark out, he is the only legit pass rusher covering two positions (WDE and SAM). Also think SAM is one of the top 3 or 4 most important positions on this defense. And his back-up Gordon cannot be used in the same way as Ryan, especially as an edge disruptor. Regardless, hope he has a healthy year.
DeleteI have no idea how long Clark is going to be out, so that doesn't really factor in.
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