Introducing the 2006 Class: Ryan McFoy

The temptation was certainly there for Ryan McFoy. Playing with brother Chris, as well as the national champions, seemed too good of a combination to pass over. However, the Chino (Calif.) safety ultimately chose ASU over USC, and his reasoning was quite simple.

“USC wanted me to greyshirt (i.e. not receive a scholarship until the following year),” said the 6-2 197 Ryan McFoy. “I just felt that they had a lot of politics and were playing games with me. They were not straight forward with me, and I just didn’t want to be involved with that.”

Arizona State’s Special Teams and Tight Ends Coach Tom Osborne was recruiting McFoy heavily since his junior year. The safety mentioned in the past how much more consistent the maroon and gold were in their recruiting over other suitors. “Coach Osborne told me from day one how much he wanted me to play for Arizona State,” recalled McFoy. “I know it’s an up and coming program that will be real good and I want to be a part of it.” Oregon and Utah are two other schools that McFoy seriously considered during the recruiting process.

The normal sources of familiarity with a program, usually center over watching a team on TV or reading about them in the various forms of media. Nevertheless, McFoy got to learn more about the Sun Devils through a unique source. “My grandpa’s friend’s son is Darryl Harris who played for Arizona State (from 1975-78) and also for the Minnesota Vikings,” commented McFoy. “So I got to know ASU that way too.”

McFoy was rated as the No. 48 safety in the nation by Scout.com and was named to the All-C.I.F. Southern Section Division II team as a defensive back in 2005. As a senior he collected 70 tackles, five interceptions (two for touchdowns), three fumbles caused and two fumbles recovered. In his junior year he scored four touchdowns on seven punt returns and two more on kickoffs. “Agility and speed are my strong points,” said McFoy of his skills. “I’m not a perfect player, so I need to work on every part of my game. That’s the only way I’ll get better.”

Currently, McFoy is spending time in Tempe getting a head start on his conditioning during voluntary workouts. “I’m loving it!,” he exclaimed over his experience so far. “I got used already to the heat and it’s all good. The workouts are really different than high school – a lot more tempo. We work in the weight room Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Tuesday and Thursday we run and that’s no joke. I put on some muscle and I’m up to 197. My goal is to get to 205.” The safety added that he’s rooming with linebacker and fellow incoming freshman Jamarr Robinson.

McFoy has been called one of the best safeties ASU has recruited in recent memory. The safety is humble when he hears the accolades that help him achieve popularity, and states his goals for 2006 in a succinct manner. “My plan is to play this year,” he commented. “Hard work is what’s gonna get me not to redshirt.”

Simple words from a special player…

Recruit Profile

Name

Ryan McFoy

High School

Chino High School (Calif.)

Position

Safety

Height

6-2

Weight

197

Date of birth

7/29/88

Birthplace

Pomona, Calif.

Nickname

”Didn’t really have one.”

Favorite TV show

”The Simpsons”

Favorite movie

” Don’t be a Menace”

Favorite singer/band

”Sugarfree and R.Kelly””

Favorite food

”Jamaican Beef Patties”

Favorite drink

”Lemonade”

Favorite athlete

”Ronnie Lott”

Favorite pro team

”Oakland Raiders”

Person you most admire

”My grandpa. He helped get through a lot of things.”

First football memory

”My sophomore year where I picked off a ball and ran it back for an 86-yard touchdown. That was my first ever playoff game.”

One thing most people don’t know about me

”I’m a hard worker.”

Why did you choose ASU?

”It felt like a family.”

Where do you want to be in ten years?

”Hopefully in the NFL. If not, I’d like to be a Real Estate agent.”