O-R Athlete of the Week: Cochise Ryan, California
Name: Cochise Ryan
School: California
Class: Junior
Sport: Football
Ryan’s week: Ryan went through an unusual situation in last week’s lopsided victory over Avella.
The wingback carried five times and was not tackled in a 57-6 victory. He gained 258 yards and scored on every carry. He also caught one pass, and also was not tackled, turning it into a 35-yard touchdown.
The only time he was brought to the ground was on a punt return.
“I never had a game like that. It was something special,” said Ryan. “I just went out there and played, that’s all.”
Ryan’s performance helped the Trojans win their first Tri-County South Conference game and snap a two-game losing streak.
“He had a great game,” said Cal head coach Darrin Dillow. “Jelani (Stafford) came close to doing it last year.”
Ryan scored on runs of 15, 38, 73, 90 and 16 yards to help California (1-1, 1-2) pull away.
“He’s a versatile player,” said Dillow. “He’s the second fastest runner on the team and he’s our backup quarterback.”
Overcoming an injury: Ryan accomplished his impressive game against Avella while still recovering from a slight fracture to his left arm sustained in a Week Zero loss to Beth-Center. He had the arm put in a cast and Dillow used him only on defense for a Week 1 loss to Monessen.
A natural cornerback, Ryan is being used at outside linebacker to take advantage of his quickness and tackling ability.
“I didn’t start against Avella,” he said. “It gave me more of an edge to score. I had an avulsion fracture and they told me to put the cast on.”
Ryan was so upset with the loss to Beth-Center that he ended up removing the cast so he could play offense, again.
“I wouldn’t say it’s 100 percent,” said Ryan. “But it’s getting better. One more week and I’ll be (completely healed).”
Since his freshman season, Ryan added 25 pounds to his 6-1, 190-pound frame. Colleges are noticing him. Coaches from the area are showing up at practice. Last season, he compiled 1,112 yards and scored 15 touchdowns. He wants to improve on those numbers.
“I don’t know what I want to do yet,” he said. “I do want to stay close to home.”