2007 All Star West
Ryan Wheat
Defensive Line
6’5″ 305
High School Coach: Jerry Parker
High School: Carman-Ainsworth, A
College: Michigan State University
Ryan started varsity football as a sophmore. He was a starter on defense as a junior and a two-way starter and captain his senior year. In 2005 he tallied 26 solo tackles, 17 assists 6 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks. By his senior season, Ryan was starting on both sides of the ball and totaled 38 solo tackles, 13 quarterback harrasses and was within reach of a school record of most sacks at 13.5. His athleticism and leadership helped carry his team in the playoffs in both 2005 and 2006. He received the “trench award” for best lineman by his position coach, Standon, his senior year.
Ryan devotes all his time to becoming the type of football player to play at the next level by working out daily. He enjoys watching fellow teamates on the basketball court and is there to cheer them on. Ryan has also volunteered time to mentoring younger students on the elementary level.
Ryan thanked his family and friends for supporting him and inspiring him to achieve his dreams. “With the encouragment of my family and friends I have worked hard to achieve goals I thought were not in my reach.” He thanked his coaches for, “pushing me to my limit to become a better football player and individual.” He thanked, “my mother, my biggest fan, for all you have given me. I know this has made me a better person.”
Ryan will attend and play football at Michigan State University on a football scholarship, where he will work on a criminal justice degree and help Michigan State bring their football team into a new era of greatness playing the best game of all, football!
Awards
Big Nine 1st Team Defensive Linemen, 05 & 06
Big Nine 2nd Team Offensive Linemen 2006
Preseason Top 10, Flint Journal, 2006
All State 1st Team, Detroit Free Press, 2006
Dream Team, Detroit News and Detroit Free Press, 2006
#12 Blue Chip List, 2006
#48 Defensive Linemen, Rivals.com, 2006
#55 Midwest Prep Football Report, Tom Lemming, 06
All Midwest Team, Prepstars, 2006
#12 Michigan Top 30, Detroit News, 2006
#17 in Michigan, Lansing State Journal, 2006
#17, Scout.com, 2006