Tuesday July 01, 2008

Ryan Update / Clemson Wide Receivers

Ryan Update 7-1
Ryan had his best day yesterday!

First, we were able to put him in a mobile bed/chair and strapped him in for a ride. We took him down in the lobby to see the fountain, Dr. Gardner's aquarium and even took him outside for a few minutes. This was the first time Ryan had been outside in a month and I think he enjoyed the wind, birds, trees and sun.

Later in the afternoon I noticed Ryan was sweating pretty hard and I asked him if he wanted some ice on his lips and arms. I said, "Ryan, if you want some ice then give me a thumbs up." He immediately responded. He cannot eat ice or drink water because he may aspirate but I rubbed some ice along his bottom lip. I then stopped in the center and he began to move his head back and forth to get the ice all along is lips. After I removed the ice, Ryan began to lick his lips for the first time.

He did the entire routine again and I told Dr. Toma, his physiatrist. She asked to see him do this and Ryan repeated every move. Dr. Toma was encouraged and when she was leaving, she asked Ryan to reach out to her hands and give her a high five. Ryan opened his hands and reached out towards her hand to which she replied, "Great job Ryan."

His occupational therapist came in the room a few minutes later and on four separate occasions she asked Ryan to point his index finger and he responded each time.

In Dr. Toma's report, she noted Ryan's progress. Now Ryan needs to become more consistent in his responses but this is his best day yet. If he continues to make this kind of improvement over the next few days, we will have a few more options for rehab facilities.

We received good news this morning as Ryan's white blood is 8 today down from 13 where he was yesterday. This number indicates that he is not having to fight off infections which is good news.

Ryan had a much better night sleeping last night and I think he will have a great response to physical therapy today.

Your prayers are working and we are witnessing daily of how gracious and loving God is. Ryan is being lifted up by your prayers every day and we will never forget your kindness. Thanks.

Clemson Wide Receivers
Dabo Swinney has a group of 11 wide receivers this year in what could be the deepest group on campus. In this group you have experience, youth, speed, quickness, and diversity in size and styles. This group gives the Tigers almost everything a coach could ask for in terms of a college wide receiver corp.

Aaron Kelly is going to break the school record for career receptions and career touchdown receptions. He is just two receptions shy of the career receptions record of 168 and two more touchdowns will tie the school record with 18. He needs 570 yards to break the career receiving yards record of 2,681 yards. Kelly is an All-ACC wide out that is considered by some as the top player at his position in the ACC.

Tyler Grisham had 60 receptions last year which is the eighth best year in Clemson history on terms of total receptions. He also had 68.5 knockdown blocks which was the best of any player not on the offensive line last year. Here is a tough, dependable player that will provide leadership as a senior.

Jacoby Ford might be the fastest player in Clemson history. The offense changed when he broke his ankle at Maryland last season. Ford makes the defense change its game plan and makes defenders change their pursuit angles. I think Ford is one of the most important players in this offense and one of the most underrated players in the ACC. Few players have the explosiveness to hurt the opponent as a receiving, rushing and as a kick returner like Ford.

Rendrick Taylor missed more time last year as injuries have been the only thing holding back his career. He has missed 10 games due to injury in his career. When healthy, Taylor provides a difficult matchup for defenses. He is also a terrific blocker. Taylor spent time on defense and at running back but will return to wide out this fall.

Xavier Dye played 156 snaps as a true freshmen but he will tell you is much more ready to compete physically and mentally this season. Dye caught four balls and scored one touchdown last season but this could be his break out season. His spring performance gave coaches a glimpse at his upside. This 6-5 receiver also has an incredible vertical jump so look for more jump balls from Dye this season.

Brandon Clear red-shirted a year ago but the scout team coaches raved about his ability. Clear will have to work at the mental side of things but he is yet another tall receiver with a bright future.

Marquan Jones enrolled early and made a big impression on the staff. I think he will avoid a red-shirt season this year. He will remind Clemson fans of former Clemson wide out Chansi Stuckey.

Brandon Ford is a big strong wide receiver signee that might red-shirt this season. Ford is a raw talent but has a big upside.

Jaron Brown is the third freshman wide out. He was impressive in his Shrine Bowl workouts a year ago. I think he will stay at wide receiver but Brown may be a red-shirt candidate this year.

Nelson Faerber played the role of Tyler Grisham like, well, Tyler Grisham against South Carolina last season. Grisham was injured and Faerber came away with four receptions and a touchdown on offense. He also blocked the punt that led to La'Donte Harris' touchdown. I am not sure Clemson beats South Carolina without Faerber.

Terrence Ashe had more receptions than any walk-on in Clemson history when he had five against Virginia Tech last season. Ashe is a sophomore should play a role in the offense over the next few years.

In summary, this group is deep and talented. In my opinion, this is the best group of receivers in the ACC this season.

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