Diamond In The Rough: Ryan Nolan

Ryan Nolan is a class of 2022 offensive guard for Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. Ryan measures in at 6’3” and 320 pounds which is great for the position. Ryan is adept at using his size and technique to make hole for runners and pass blocking. In the run game, Nolan is great at surging off the line and getting his hands on defensive lineman before they can react. On outside zones and sweeps, Nolan is mobile and able to pull and get to his spots to make the block with no problem. In the passing game, Nolan can be trusted to keep his man away from the quarterback for as long as needed to. Along with playing offensive guard, Ryan is also a capable offensive and defensive tackle. In the defensive tackle spot, Ryan fills his gaps and attacks the opposing lineman hard with his hands and is adept at stopping the run. Overall, Nolan is a hard -working, do-it-all lineman who always plays with a high motor and uses a solid technique to protect and defend.

Check out Ryan’s highlights here.

What is your favorite lesson that you have learned in your football life? My favorite lesson is learning to fight through adversity and not giving up when times get tough. Another favorite lesson of mine is to be humble.

How would you describe your game? Physical from start to finish. I always play through the whistle.

Who do you model your game after? I model my game after Quentin Nelson because he is a great leader and a hard worker. He may not be the biggest, but he makes sure to make up for it by always playing hard.

What made you want to play football? When I first played, I did not like it. After a while, I took the sport up again and fell in love with it. My passion for the game grew as I got older and I wanted to compete.

What is your favorite aspect of the position you play? My favorite aspect of playing on the offensive line is how important the position is. Making the blocks and protecting the ball is what I love. I like playing on the defensive line because I can be more creative to accomplish my goals.

How would you describe yourself as a person? I am a chill person; I am usually quiet and not doing too much for attention, but everyone likes to be around me.

What are your favorite hobbies outside of playing football? I like to play videogames and just hang out with my friends and I like to always stay active.

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Why do you feel a college should take a chance on you? I feel like a college should take a chance on me because I am a hard worker. I just want to get better at my craft, and I do not have a big ego. I do not cause problems on or off the field, and I am a team player.

What sets you apart from other recruits? I do not let clout or rankings, or anything get to my head and make me have a big ego like a lot of other recruits. I will also do whatever is necessary for the team with no problem.

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player? My strengths are that I always play hard, run and pass blocking as well. My weakness is that I sometimes allow my mistakes to haunt me and cause me to overthink on the field at times because I do not want to make more mistakes, so I get into my own head about little details.

How are you working to improve your weaknesses? I use mental techniques and try to remember that even the best players make mistakes at times, so I should not dwell on my mistakes and keep moving forward.

What characteristics do you look for most in a college? I look for a college that has a good coaching staff and I a family culture. I do not want to feel like it is just a business. I also want the best opportunity for development as a player and person.

What goals do you have for this year and beyond as a player and a person? As a player, I just want to continue to improve and I want to win every accolade out there. As a person, I want to mature and become more independent.