Lycoming College

One of the best pass rushers in the Lycoming College football program’s history, Ryan Yaple transitioned to the defensive line as a junior and made an immediate impact. 

A four-year letterwinner, Yaple appeared in just 14 games in his first two years as a linebacker, but a sophomore season where five of his 12 tackles were for loss was enough to get the Warrior coaching staff to realize the benefits of moving the 6-0, 225-pounder to the front lines.

As a senior, he finished second in Division III with 14 sacks. He posted 19.5 tackles for loss during the season, which placed him in the top-10 nationally and is the seventh-most in program history. He had 44 tackles in 2007, two pass breakups and a forced fumble. After the season he earned First Team D3football.com All-East Region, First Team All-MAC and Honorable Mention D3football.com All-American honors. 

He finished his career 14th in program history with 30 tackles for loss and 17th with 17.5 sacks.

The Stillwater, Pa., native was also named a National Strength & Conditioning Association All-American Athlete of the Year and began his professional career in 2008 by serving as an assistant coach with the 2008 Middle Atlantic Conference champion Lycoming College football team.

After finishing his year as an assistant coach with the Warriors, Yaple moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where he is a captain with the Fort Worth Fire Department after promoting multiple times with the top score each time. He still maintains an active workout regimen, earning the fire department’s physical fitness award during the eight-month training academy. He and his wife, Rhea and three children reside in Brock, Texas.