#44 Ryan Wimmer Destroys Another GAC Quarterback!
Photo Courtesy of John Biasi and Johnnie Athletics
As the Johnnie offense grabbed headlines for making it’s reappearance during the festive Johnnie homecoming this weekend, St. John’s middle linebacker Ryan Wimmer added another performance in what is “All American” in quality and potentially also in recognition.
Watching Ryan Wimmer torpedo through the Gustie offensive line at near ground zero, images of former SJU middle linebacker and current Johnnie coach Brandon Novak flashed like a Manchurian Candidate red dogging his way to another quarterback sack. Wimmer, like his two-time “All-America” coach, has the instinct, athleticism and ability to penetrate offenses and either destroy ball carriers or ankle tackle unsuspecting quarterbacks.
It’s also no surprise that Ryan Wimmer eyes opposing ball carriers with better than 20/20 vision as father Joel Wimmer knows a thing or two about visual acuity. The optician working Wimmer Family can be seen regularly at all Johnnie games feeding football players as part of their own pregame party.
St. John’s most ardent fan, Mom Annette Wimmer, can also be seen, if not heard, chanting her familiar “dee-fense” from the south end bleachers and pumping her picket fence in support of the St. John’s defense and next generation superstar.
Novak, a 2000 graduate of St. John’s was a two time all-American middle linebacker with the skill to single handedly control offenses using instinct and ball stripping ability. Wimmer in his third year as a starter has all the ability Novak displayed with a bit more bulk. At one point late in his college career Novak was reported to have dipped to nearly 170 lbs while suffering from an intestinal illness. Wimmer, muscularly listed at 215 pounds, is positioned to continue the tradition of outstanding Johnnie middle defenders leading their teams deep into the NCAA DIII playoffs.
As the slumbering Johnnie offense was re-born in classic Gagliardi style during their 31–17 victory Saturday, Ryan Wimmer wrestled his way to 14 tackles repeatedly turning the ball back to the SJU offense for reloading.
The perfectly timed Tom Linneman like bombs bellowing down field from newly ordained starter Jordan Hansel created the kind of exciting football that entertains fans and energizes Johnnie defenders.
With an early season conference loss, a strong armed quarterback and a daring middle linebacker, this team is looking much like the center piece of Austin Murphy’s “The Sweet Season”.
Check out Murphy’s book for the ending to this story.