Injury Forces Bingham to Change for Better

Lincoln -- While a season-ending injury could be devastating to many people, senior nose tackle Ryon Bingham considered it a blessing in disguise.

Four years ago, Bingham was one of the Huskers' most promising defensive prospects. The Sandy, Utah, native had redshirted in 1999, but had worked hard in the winter and spring to put himself in a position for extensive playing time. But those plans were put on hold that summer when a broken right foot prematurely ended his 2000 campaign before it got off the ground.

"That was a hard year when I broke my foot," Bingham said. "It was terrible, and I couldn't have asked for anything worse to happen, but I also couldn't ask for anything better either."

The injury made him re-evaluate his priorities in football and with his lifestyle.

"I wasn't feeling good when it happened, but being injured opened my eyes to everything else," Bingham said. "It made me see that there is more to life than football, and it helped me grow as a person."

After the injury, Bingham made substantial changes in many facets of his life, things that have helped him to become the person he is today.

"I don't pollute my body anymore," Bingham said. "I keep my body healthy. I want to do good things in life and try to be a better person every day. Before it was all football and what can I do for myself."

Teammates and coaches have seen the differences in both Bingham the football player and person since he arrived on campus in 1999.

"The injury made him find out who he was ? as a person, a football player and student," defensive line coach Jeff Jamrog said. "He has shown improvement in all areas of his life and has grown up as a person. I've seen that maturity level in him. He's become a much more dedicated student and has stepped it up on the field. He is becoming not only a complete football player, but a tremendous young man."

In 2001, Bingham saw his first extensive action as a Husker, appearing in 12 games and the Rose Bowl contest against Miami. He totaled 18 tackles, including five tackles for loss in his first game action since 1998. Last season, the 6-2, 295-pound nose tackle earned a coveted Blackshirt, as he started all 14 games. He led all Husker defensive linemen with 67 tackles and ranked fifth on the squad with nine tackles for loss. Last week in NU's season-opening win over Oklahoma State, Bingham had four tackles with a fumble recovery, and he blocked a Cowboy field goal attempt.

One area where he has continually excelled has been in the weight room, where he is a four-time finalist for Lifter of the Year. According to strength coach Bryan Bailey, Bingham's dedication in the Husker Power program has played a major role in his achievements.

"He is one of the hardest workers in the weight room that we have ever had, and that in itself says a lot," Bailey said. "He enjoys being in the weight room and has the respect of his teammates. He is someone who pushes his teammates because of the amount of work he puts in. He came in today to do extra stuff, and he is someone who will do that, not because he has to, but because he wants to keep improving."

Bingham relies on his work ethic to make himself better every time he steps on the field.

"I wouldn't say that I'm the biggest or the fastest or most athletic guy," Bingham said. "The work ethic has helped me to become the player that I am."

Bingham, who will graduate with a degree in criminal justice this December, says his time as a Husker has flown by.

"It's kind of an overwhelming feeling being a senior," Bingham said. "Each year, it (the season) keeps going quicker. Being a senior is something you are not quite prepared for how you feel, knowing that this is my last year. When you come into the program and you look at the seniors, you kind of have the perspective that ?whoa, they are seniors.' Now that I'm a senior, this is my last showdown and I have to give it all I've got. I'm looking forward to it."