Ryan reeling in offers

May 27, 2008

Ryan reeling in offers

Kenny Walter
OwlScoop.com Staff Writer

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If Temple wants to get a commitment from class of 2009 cornerback Logan Ryan, it will have to duke it out with some of college football's heavy hitters.

Owls head coach Al Golden has made a scholarship offer to the 5-foot-11, 175-pound defensive back from nearby Eastern High School in Voorhees, NJ, and Ryan said he has also received offers from Boston College, Maryland, Northwestern, Rutgers, Virginia, and West Virginia. Iowa, Penn State and Wake Forest have also shown interest.

"I'm just looking to go to the place that puts me in the best position to do well," Ryan told OwlScoop.com. "I view Temple as a team improving a lot. Look at what they've done under Coach Golden. They improved so much last season, especially on defense. They are really young and still did a lot of good things last year."

Ryan attended Temple's Junior Day last weekend and came away impressed.

"I think it was great meeting the coaches and seeing the area," Ryan said. "I definitely left their thinking 'Wow.' It was more than I expected."

Temple's facilities, both athletic and academic, caught Ryan's eye.

"I was blown away with the school," Ryan said. "The technology center was the best I've seen, possibly the best in the country. The locker room and everything for the team was very nice. The whole school was very impressive."

Golden and his coaching staff made an impression on Ryan as well.

"I think Golden has done a great job here," Ryan said. "Growing up in Camden County, everyone always thought Temple football was a joke. It's not a joke anymore. They won four games last year with a young team and should win more this season."

The 2007 season was Ryan's first as a full-time defender. He had 50 tackles, 10 pass break-ups and two fumble recoveries. He also had 625 rushing yards and 13 offensive touchdowns to lead Eastern to a 9-2 record and a NJSIAA state playoff berth, where they lost to Mainland Regional.

Ryan, who has been clocked at 4.40 seconds in the 40-yard dash, said distance will not be a factor in his decision.

"Distance doesn't matter," Ryan said. "If Temple is the best place for me, then so be it. But if a place farther away from home puts me in the best situation, then I'll go there."