TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - DeMeco will lace it up one last time at the University of Alabama on Wednesday as he participates in the annual Pro Day. Each year representatives from virtually every NFL team show up in Tuscaloosa to get a closer look at former Tide players headed for the pro's. 

Pro Days signify the beginning of the end for pre draft workouts, a sight DeMeco is looking forward to seeing. "I'm just ready to get into some football situations," Ryans says. "The combines were made up of alot of things that doesn't necessarily relate to football. The teams are trying to see what type of person you are off the field. Thankfully that part of it is over and we can get down to some football. You have to keep plugging away and understand that the workouts, interviews and testing are all part of your progression to the NFL. Everyone has to do it."

Courtesy of The Birmingham News

Make the Grade and Make a Difference by DeMeco Ryans

Life is funny. It changes in ways you don't expect and at times you don't anticipate. Take this essay, for example. As a football player for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, I've been asked to talk with lots of reporters for lots of stories. Most of the time, I didn't mind. It goes along with the territory of playing for a school with such rich tradition and passionate fans.

However, I was most excited to have the chance to write a piece that not only reflects on my career, but hopefully, points to some positive aspects of college athletics and college life that don't always make the sports pages. And in keeping with past media interviews, if I can offer any words that might serve to motivate a high school student to make good choices about their future, then I'm all over that.  READ MORE