Getting To Know: Ryan Cheek

This volume of 'Getting To Know' will feature Middle Linebacker Ryan Cheek. We tried to dig up a little more information on Ryan for you today and struck gold. Call me nerdy, but I love stats and numbers. What we dug up were some pretty solid numbers on Mr. Cheek. Here they are: Ryan stands 6'2, weighs 232, Bench Presses 385 pounds, Squats 455 pounds, Hang Cleans 345 pounds, has a Vertical Leap 33 inches, runs a 4.1 second Shuttle, and boasts a 3.6 GPA. The kid is stout. If you aren't real familiar with how impressive some of these numbers are, trust me, its a lot of weight for any kid coming out of high school. We got the chance to talk with Ryan on Tuesday afternoon and I really enjoyed our conversation. Ryan was very personable and has a great sense of humor. By the end of the phone call he had me rolling. That's enough of me talking. Enjoy getting to know Ryan Cheek.

Why did you choose NC State?

I thought that the stadium was real nice. The coaches and players were great as well. I've always liked the area and I'm actually coming down there for a family reunion this weekend.

What leadership abilities do you bring to the table?

This past season I was Team Captain and I learned a lot. We had been to the playoffs for 5 years straight coming into this year, but we were only 6-4 this year. There were players quitting and it was tough. I realized that we weren't having fun anymore, and reminded everyone to have fun. Once we started having fun, we started winning again.

What have the coaches been telling you your role would be next year?

They've told me that I'll probably redshirt. They've also said that I could play inside or outside, but they aren't sure. They said we would figure it out when we all got down there for camp.

What are your strengths?

I would have to say knowing the game. My dad has been a coach since I was a little kid. I also have played a couple different positions. I played Quarterback my whole life until my Freshmen year. Then I moved to Linebacker, playing OLB my Sophomore season and MLB my last two years.

Who is your all-time favorite football player?

Pat Tillman. I've always looked up to him. They did a big story on him in Sports Illustrated a couple of years back and I have it posted up in my room. I love that he laid it all on the line on and off the field. Off the field all out.

Who do you pattern your game after?

Since I am from Ohio, Chris Spielman was always a Linebacker I looked up to. And of course Ray Lewis. What Linebacker doesn't want to play like Ray Lewis.

What are you planning on studying at NC State?

Probably education because I want to coach football one day. I am also looking into strength and conditioning because I would like to coach in college one day.

Hobbies and Interests?

I'm pretty laid back. I like go fishing and 4-Wheeling with friends. I like to hang out with buddies around a bonfire on the weekends. I also like helping out on the farm and being around family.

Did you grow up being a Ohio State fan?

I did because we live really close to Columbus. But I'm done with that crap. After I committed to State, I haven't watched a Ohio State game since. Every Saturday I was glued to the computer screen watching the NC State game.

Well it sounds like you would fit in quite well down here. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us. Let us know if there are is any videos or information that we could run on the site for you.

Well actually if you could make me 6'3, 240 pounds, and run a 4.3 40 yard dash I would be pretty pumped. See if you can cook that up for me.

Alright Ryan, I'll see what I can do. Ha ha.