San Diego Athletics

USD: Ryan enters his fifth and final year where he will compete for a starting spot at defensive back... He has been selected one of four 2008 team captains by his teammates... Last year totaled 10 tackles (6 solo) with one interception (Morehead State)... In 2006 he appeared in all 12 games and finished with 24 tackles (12 solo)... Totaled 3 tackles in four contests... Also saw action on special teams[apos]... Six punt returns for 21 yards and 3 kickoff returns for 62 yards (20.7 ave.)... In 2005 he totaled 14 tackles (9 solo) with 1 pass breakup... Tallied 3 stops in big win over Yale Bulldogs... He was a redshirt during the 2004 season. High School: Earned All-State honors for the 12-1 J.K. Mullen High School team with 115 tackles and nine interceptions his senior season... Also lettered in baseball, twice earning Second Team All-Centennial League honors. Personal: Born on March 2, 1986 in Denver, Colorado... Parents are Lauri and Dennis Echer of Littleton, CO... His father played football and ran track for the Colorado School of Mines. Major: Industrial & Systems Engineering.