Hey everybody, I'll be representing myself, and will be available later on to answer all questions from the media.
BenLongshaw
Ryan, thanks for taking the time to speak with the media. I'm sure you're a busy man in the lead-up to the big day. Quick question from the Illinois Inquirer:
As a Baltimore native, are you hoping that the Hawks call your name on draft day? Do you think that playing for your hometown team would give you an edge over your competition, or would your own fandom (if you are a fan of the team) be an extra burden that you wouldn't want?
Thanks for the great question. I love my city, and grew up here. I hold a lot of things in this city close to me, and built some of the strongest relationships here. As far as being a Baltimore native, I'll always have the city in my heart off the field. When I step on that field, it doesn't matter which team it is, I'm giving them 110% on every down.
Electraspace
Ryan, this is Clint Mitchell from the Davenport Morningstar. Got a few quick questions for you.
1. Do you believe you have the strength to make a big play on a safety blitz?
2. How have you been feeling leading up to draft day?
3. Which team do you think will draft you, and which team do you want to draft you?
4. Do you believe in tight coverage to prevent the big catch or making a risky move to get the interception?
Thank you for your time.
Thanks for the great questions.
To start off, I feel like my talents are useful all over the field. I'm comfortable throwing my weight at anybody, whether it be off a blitz, or to break up a pass. I don't shy away from contact, and anybody at the end of my run will suffer. Doesn't matter if its a Quarterback, Runningback, Tight End, or my Momma. I'm laying that wood.
As far as nerves, I'm really not bothered. I don't let these types of things bother me, because as of now, I'm not drafted or have all this money in the bank. I'm just living my life day by day.
What team has the #1 pick? Thats the team I want to go to. Every other team will regret passing on me. I'm out here to be the greatest player on the field, and best person off the field.
You can't really pick or choose one of them, because while a risky move can improve tight coverage if you take the chance at the right time, tight coverage will prevent the ball from even being thrown. I love giving my big boys in the trenches time to wreak havoc on the backfield.
timeconsumer
1) Given your play vs Joshua Garden in college, are you excited to possibly face him again? Or would you rather be his teammate?
2) How did you manage to elect for the draft with the March 1st change to the rules for military athletes can no longer join pro sports and serve in the reserves right after college?
3) What's the worst play you've ever made, and what did you learn from it?
4) Does anybody look up to you as a role model?
5) If coaches ask you to bulk up, how much do expect that to impact your speed?
Wow. Hard hitting questions. I wasn't quite prepared for this one.
To start off, it doesn't matter who lines up across the line from me, I'm not giving them an inch. Regarding Garden, of course I'd love to be on his team, it would make for two superstars on each side of the ball projecting their team to greatness.
As for my deferment, I already had my paperwork completed and approved last year, and lets just say that I'm ready to play ball. I would not like to comment on it any further.
One of the worst plays I ever made, ha it still sticks with me 4 years later. I was playing up tight in end of the half, it was a counter run between the tackle and pulling guard. I stacked on one of my linebackers and attempted to meet the running back in the gap. I dropped my weight and tried to prevent him from moving any further, preventing the first down, and he lowered his shoulder and kept going. I was disappointed in myself because what could have been a 1 yard gain, turned into a 20. Thankfully one of my guys was playing off coverage on the receiver prior to the snap.
I would hope all my younger classmates and teammates would look up to me, as well as my little brother. I keep my head down, go to work, and don't attract too much attention. In the league you have to be smart, quiet, and disciplined, and I feel like I exude those behaviors.
Gaining weight won't be a problem, because you can't teach speed, haha. I look to improve and stronger on the field, while not losing any game speed.
Apache_Chief
Ryan, a few questions for you.
1. Do you expect to play special teams for whoever drafts you given your past or will you try to shy away from the role and stick to the defense?
2. How comfortable are you in defending the run?
3. What WR Prospect do you most want to play against at the next level?
4. Do you think you go for the big plays too often?
5. Lastly a fun one; If you could make your own team, what would the name/mascot be?
Good Luck in the draft!
Thanks for stopping by!
I'm comfortable playing wherever they want me to. I've got experience catching passes and returning kicks. Just line me up and I'll succeed. That's all!
I'm very comfortable against the run! Some people like saying that I can't defend against big bruising backs, I say bring them on! Put me in the box, or put me overtop. I can play the run and the pass with the best of them.
Coming out of the All Star game, I'd love to match up with West!
I go for big plays as much as the next person. I like to be in the right spot at the right time, all the time. I do like to risk it though. If I can read the QB fast enough or see the route develop, I can assist my teammate and either disrupt it enough to where the QB throws it to me or away from that receiver.
I want to bring back the Baltimore Bullets. Mascot just like the NBA team. This time, no murder stats.
.Broken
1. With teams planning to build great offenses, what's your best counter to them?
2. Will you want anyone specifically drafted with you? If so, why?
3. Defense wins championships, agree or disagree?
4. If birds flock, your name is Flock, can we assume you'll be going to a team with a bird logo?
5. Do you have a favorite play you like to be involved in?
Thanks for stopping by.
My best counter is a ball hawking center fielder and a smart in-the-box safety. I can not only defend the run, but I can prevent the long ball. I've got the instincts to be around the ball every play, and a smart tackler inside the box.
If I had to go off of experience from the All Star Game, I'd love to be on a team with Damien West or Andrew Kreklow. Both dudes are forces to be reckoned with and it'd be an honor to dominate teams for years to come. Other than that, I just want whoever will want to build and succeed with me.
Defenses will, and always will, win championships. If you can't score, you can't win, and I bring an element and playstyle that will allow us to score on defense. Scoring on defense is a game changer.
Whatever team drafts me will become my Flock. We'll soar to great things year in and year out.
Favorite play would have to be underneath coverage on short yardage situations. I want to be there to meet receivers and tight ends across the middle. If I don't end up with the ball, they'll end up on a stretcher.
ErMurazor
Being from the northeast, how do you feel about playing in the snow/extreme cold?
Any tricks you use to mitigate weather on the field?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
What's your favorite movie?
Who's your favorite actor?
Weather has never really bothered me. I'm normally in shorts until the weather drops below 40. I don't mind being drafted by a team with cold weather, as I've been used to it my whole life.
The main trick I use is to keep my head, neck, hands, and feet warm. So a tight cap or headband is probably the most important piece of gear I have.
I'm definitely a night owl. Growing up I've been working overnight to help my family with finances.
Favorite Movie is Boondock Saints. The first one is obviously better, but the second one is just so funny.
Favorite actor would have to be Norman Reedus. I've never watched The Walking Dead, but all of his other works are fantastic.
Esa77
Who are some of your favorite NFL safeties of all time?
Is there anyone in particular who's inspired your game?
Any teams you have your eye on on draft day?
Do you expect to lose focus on the field if your team has the hottest cheerleaders?
Are said cheerleaders expected to make up a special chant for you when you get an interception?
Growing up I watched Ed Reed and Polamalu battle it out twice a year. Being a Ravens fan, I clearly have Ed Reed as the Greatest to ever do it, but Troys game is an attractive one. I'd like to bring the best of both worlds to my game!
I don't want to say one of the latter inspired my game, because they are two different positions and play styles. I try to emulate everything they do, but they are Hall of Famers, and as much as I hate to be inspired by a Steelers player, I'd say both of them push me to surpass them.
I want to be apart of a dominant defense. Whether its already good, or we draft the better players. All I know is when that ball is kicked off, I want to be apart of the #1 defense.
I wear a helmet with a visor. My peripherals aren't going to spot a cheerleader, they are going to spot the ball. So short answer, no, I won't lose focus.
Nobody has to cheer or chant for me. I'm out here to play defense. Its not a spectacular way to look at it, but I'm not trying to wow the crowd with One Handed pick sixes, unless they happen of course. I'm out there to dominate with my team.
SimmerDownBruhh
How's the weather right now?
What's your favorite holiday?
Any tattoos? Any plans on getting some?
Any regrets?
What do you call hot sauce that's in the freezer?
It's 5am and cool. Nice little sunrise coming up.
Favorite holiday is Easter. Sometimes it falls on my birthday.
No tattoos. I've got a sleeve planned and a shoulder/chest piece in trying to find.
Regrets? My discipline going to the gym early in my life. It made me feel better once I starting going just about every day. I relied on sports early in my life to keep me in shape. I'm bigger and stronger and healthier now that I have a routine.
IcyHot
BenLongshaw
Ryan, thanks for taking the time to speak with the media. I'm sure you're a busy man in the lead-up to the big day. Quick question from the Illinois Inquirer:
As a Baltimore native, are you hoping that the Hawks call your name on draft day? Do you think that playing for your hometown team would give you an edge over your competition, or would your own fandom (if you are a fan of the team) be an extra burden that you wouldn't want?
Thanks for the great question. I love my city, and grew up here. I hold a lot of things in this city close to me, and built some of the strongest relationships here. As far as being a Baltimore native, I'll always have the city in my heart off the field. When I step on that field, it doesn't matter which team it is, I'm giving them 110% on every down.
Electraspace
Ryan, this is Clint Mitchell from the Davenport Morningstar. Got a few quick questions for you.
1. Do you believe you have the strength to make a big play on a safety blitz?
2. How have you been feeling leading up to draft day?
3. Which team do you think will draft you, and which team do you want to draft you?
4. Do you believe in tight coverage to prevent the big catch or making a risky move to get the interception?
Thank you for your time.
Thanks for the great questions.
To start off, I feel like my talents are useful all over the field. I'm comfortable throwing my weight at anybody, whether it be off a blitz, or to break up a pass. I don't shy away from contact, and anybody at the end of my run will suffer. Doesn't matter if its a Quarterback, Runningback, Tight End, or my Momma. I'm laying that wood.
As far as nerves, I'm really not bothered. I don't let these types of things bother me, because as of now, I'm not drafted or have all this money in the bank. I'm just living my life day by day.
What team has the #1 pick? Thats the team I want to go to. Every other team will regret passing on me. I'm out here to be the greatest player on the field, and best person off the field.
You can't really pick or choose one of them, because while a risky move can improve tight coverage if you take the chance at the right time, tight coverage will prevent the ball from even being thrown. I love giving my big boys in the trenches time to wreak havoc on the backfield.
timeconsumer
1) Given your play vs Joshua Garden in college, are you excited to possibly face him again? Or would you rather be his teammate?
2) How did you manage to elect for the draft with the March 1st change to the rules for military athletes can no longer join pro sports and serve in the reserves right after college?
3) What's the worst play you've ever made, and what did you learn from it?
4) Does anybody look up to you as a role model?
5) If coaches ask you to bulk up, how much do expect that to impact your speed?
Wow. Hard hitting questions. I wasn't quite prepared for this one.
To start off, it doesn't matter who lines up across the line from me, I'm not giving them an inch. Regarding Garden, of course I'd love to be on his team, it would make for two superstars on each side of the ball projecting their team to greatness.
As for my deferment, I already had my paperwork completed and approved last year, and lets just say that I'm ready to play ball. I would not like to comment on it any further.
One of the worst plays I ever made, ha it still sticks with me 4 years later. I was playing up tight in end of the half, it was a counter run between the tackle and pulling guard. I stacked on one of my linebackers and attempted to meet the running back in the gap. I dropped my weight and tried to prevent him from moving any further, preventing the first down, and he lowered his shoulder and kept going. I was disappointed in myself because what could have been a 1 yard gain, turned into a 20. Thankfully one of my guys was playing off coverage on the receiver prior to the snap.
I would hope all my younger classmates and teammates would look up to me, as well as my little brother. I keep my head down, go to work, and don't attract too much attention. In the league you have to be smart, quiet, and disciplined, and I feel like I exude those behaviors.
Gaining weight won't be a problem, because you can't teach speed, haha. I look to improve and stronger on the field, while not losing any game speed.
Apache_Chief
Ryan, a few questions for you.
1. Do you expect to play special teams for whoever drafts you given your past or will you try to shy away from the role and stick to the defense?
2. How comfortable are you in defending the run?
3. What WR Prospect do you most want to play against at the next level?
4. Do you think you go for the big plays too often?
5. Lastly a fun one; If you could make your own team, what would the name/mascot be?
Good Luck in the draft!
Thanks for stopping by!
I'm comfortable playing wherever they want me to. I've got experience catching passes and returning kicks. Just line me up and I'll succeed. That's all!
I'm very comfortable against the run! Some people like saying that I can't defend against big bruising backs, I say bring them on! Put me in the box, or put me overtop. I can play the run and the pass with the best of them.
Coming out of the All Star game, I'd love to match up with West!
I go for big plays as much as the next person. I like to be in the right spot at the right time, all the time. I do like to risk it though. If I can read the QB fast enough or see the route develop, I can assist my teammate and either disrupt it enough to where the QB throws it to me or away from that receiver.
I want to bring back the Baltimore Bullets. Mascot just like the NBA team. This time, no murder stats.
.Broken
1. With teams planning to build great offenses, what's your best counter to them?
2. Will you want anyone specifically drafted with you? If so, why?
3. Defense wins championships, agree or disagree?
4. If birds flock, your name is Flock, can we assume you'll be going to a team with a bird logo?
5. Do you have a favorite play you like to be involved in?
Thanks for stopping by.
My best counter is a ball hawking center fielder and a smart in-the-box safety. I can not only defend the run, but I can prevent the long ball. I've got the instincts to be around the ball every play, and a smart tackler inside the box.
If I had to go off of experience from the All Star Game, I'd love to be on a team with Damien West or Andrew Kreklow. Both dudes are forces to be reckoned with and it'd be an honor to dominate teams for years to come. Other than that, I just want whoever will want to build and succeed with me.
Defenses will, and always will, win championships. If you can't score, you can't win, and I bring an element and playstyle that will allow us to score on defense. Scoring on defense is a game changer.
Whatever team drafts me will become my Flock. We'll soar to great things year in and year out.
Favorite play would have to be underneath coverage on short yardage situations. I want to be there to meet receivers and tight ends across the middle. If I don't end up with the ball, they'll end up on a stretcher.
ErMurazor
Being from the northeast, how do you feel about playing in the snow/extreme cold?
Any tricks you use to mitigate weather on the field?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
What's your favorite movie?
Who's your favorite actor?
Weather has never really bothered me. I'm normally in shorts until the weather drops below 40. I don't mind being drafted by a team with cold weather, as I've been used to it my whole life.
The main trick I use is to keep my head, neck, hands, and feet warm. So a tight cap or headband is probably the most important piece of gear I have.
I'm definitely a night owl. Growing up I've been working overnight to help my family with finances.
Favorite Movie is Boondock Saints. The first one is obviously better, but the second one is just so funny.
Favorite actor would have to be Norman Reedus. I've never watched The Walking Dead, but all of his other works are fantastic.
Esa77
Who are some of your favorite NFL safeties of all time?
Is there anyone in particular who's inspired your game?
Any teams you have your eye on on draft day?
Do you expect to lose focus on the field if your team has the hottest cheerleaders?
Are said cheerleaders expected to make up a special chant for you when you get an interception?
Growing up I watched Ed Reed and Polamalu battle it out twice a year. Being a Ravens fan, I clearly have Ed Reed as the Greatest to ever do it, but Troys game is an attractive one. I'd like to bring the best of both worlds to my game!
I don't want to say one of the latter inspired my game, because they are two different positions and play styles. I try to emulate everything they do, but they are Hall of Famers, and as much as I hate to be inspired by a Steelers player, I'd say both of them push me to surpass them.
I want to be apart of a dominant defense. Whether its already good, or we draft the better players. All I know is when that ball is kicked off, I want to be apart of the #1 defense.
I wear a helmet with a visor. My peripherals aren't going to spot a cheerleader, they are going to spot the ball. So short answer, no, I won't lose focus.
Nobody has to cheer or chant for me. I'm out here to play defense. Its not a spectacular way to look at it, but I'm not trying to wow the crowd with One Handed pick sixes, unless they happen of course. I'm out there to dominate with my team.
SimmerDownBruhh
How's the weather right now?
What's your favorite holiday?
Any tattoos? Any plans on getting some?
Any regrets?
What do you call hot sauce that's in the freezer?
It's 5am and cool. Nice little sunrise coming up.
Favorite holiday is Easter. Sometimes it falls on my birthday.
No tattoos. I've got a sleeve planned and a shoulder/chest piece in trying to find.
Regrets? My discipline going to the gym early in my life. It made me feel better once I starting going just about every day. I relied on sports early in my life to keep me in shape. I'm bigger and stronger and healthier now that I have a routine.
IcyHot