Count Down to Camp: Ryan Carrethers

I had a few clever things I was going to say, but this time I’m going to let his scouting report, per NFL.com, do the talking. I’ll share my thoughts afterwards.

OVERVIEW The Nashville-area prep led his school to three consecutive championship games. Also lettered in wrestling. Redshirted in 2009. Appeared in 10 games in ’10 as a reserve defensive lineman and had six tackles, zero for loss and zero sacks. Played in all 13 games in ’11, moving into the starting lineup for the final six games at nose guard — had 29-3-1.5. Started all 13 games at nose tackle in ’12, recording 68-3.5-1. Broke out in ’13, starting 13 times at nose tackle and tallying 93-8-4 with two blocked field goals. Lined up at fullback against Western Kentucky and rumbled into the end zone for a 1-yard score. Completed his career in dramatic fashion in the GoDaddy Bowl against Ball State, blocking a 38-yard field goal attempt that could have tied the game as time expired.

STRENGTHS Big and thick with outstanding weight-room strength — maintains low body fat, squats a small house and bench-pressed 225 pounds 32 times at the combine. Has sheer mass and natural girth to dig in and hold his ground vs. double teams. Has a wrestling background and understands leverage. Has two-gap ability. Heavy tackler. Nice effort for a big man. Tough and durable. Solid personal and football character — is devoted to his craft and has a professional approach to the game.

BOTTOM LINE Stoutly built, NFL-strong interior defender who was a literal and figurative anchor for the Red Wolves despite playing for four different head coaches. Could make a living occupying blocks and clogging run lanes as a two-down, rotational nose tackle in an odd front.