NAME: Ryan Paulish
SCHOOL: Old Forge
LAST SEASON: 2013
POSITIONS: OL/DL
Ryan Paulish was a part of one of the most successful runs in Old Forge football history. Without a doubt, he was the leader up front. A three-year starter for the Blue Devils, the team had a 35-6 record and won two District 2 titles. Paulish was a team captain his senior season and helped Old Forge to a 14-2 record and an appearance in the state title game. The Devils rushed for 4,300 yards and 65 touchdowns that season. Old Forge had a 1,000 yard rusher in all three seasons as a starter and a school-record 2,669 yards by a running back his senior season. Paulish also played on the defensive line where he had 21 tackles, 6 tackles for loss and 3 sacks.
Paulish was an NPF Lackawanna Football Conference first-team offensive lineman in both 2012 and 2013. He was an NPF All-District 2 offensive lineman his senior season. Paulish was named an all-state offensive lineman by the Pennsylvania Football Writers and first-team all-state offensive lineman by the Pennsylvania Football News in 2013. He was also named a first-team offensive lineman by EasternPaFootball.com. Paulish was named the 2013 Hookey Reap Award winner on offense as the Lackawanna Football Conference best lineman. He would continue his football career at Division I-FCS Colgate University where he started 34 games on the offensive line and was named all-conference twice.
Old Forge coach Mike Schuback on Paulish: “Ryan was the best offensive lineman that has played for me in my coaching career. I know that’s a tough statement for some coaches to make but not me. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t do. His list of awards are just as impressive. His ability to finish plays made him a force for us. Self motivated and strong in the classroom lead him to Colgate. With no surprise he had a outstanding career. I’m very proud to have coached and known Ryan for many years.”
