By: D’Asia Tate

Ryan Skorupka, senior tight end for Arizona State University’s football team, roars into a parking lot sitting on top of his Fat Bob Harley Davidson. With black shades and a fierce mustache, Skorupka, 22, is an intimidating sight.

 That assumption is wrong, after people talk with him they soon realize Skorupka is so much more.

 Underneath the rugged exterior is a teddy bear of a man devoted to Christ.

 “He’s the guy that gets you through it all,” said Skorupka.

 When Skorupka talks he looks you in the eyes, and he speaks to you like he has known you forever.  Skorupka’s older brother, Matt, uses the word “genuine” to describe him.

 “Ryan’s got one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” said Matt.

 Skorupka comes from a family of athletes. His father played football and Matt played in college.

 Skorupka came to ASU to pursue his dream of playing football. He feels he has been blessed athletically. 

 “The biggest gift is using the gifts that you have been blessed with,” said Skorupka.

 Skorupka’s fellow teammate, Thomas Weber, describes him as “passionate about everything.”

 “You can’t really help but hang out with him,” said Weber.

 Weber was one of the first people to meet Skorupka when he came to play at ASU. Skorupka and Weber are involved with Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

 “One of the first things he asked was whether we had FCA or not,” said Weber.

 Skorupka, a New Jersey native, says FCA has been a part of his life since he was young. Skorupka remembers he and his siblings not wanting to go but were ecstatic when they were old enough to become huddle leaders.

 “We couldn’t have been happier that we went,” said Skorupka.

 Skorupka believes there is little difference between the playing field and life.

 In 2008, Skorupka lost his sister in a snowmobile accident after he had moved to Arizona.

 Skrorupka remembers praying and is still amazed at the strength Christ has given his family.

 “He [Christ] really did take our hands and guide us down a path,” said Skorupka.

 Skorupka tattooed her intials on his cleats in her honor.

 Players from both teams get together and have a prayer circle in the center of the field after each game. Skorupka feels Christ is another coach on the field.

Skorupka thinks of an old saying his mother used to tell him. “The will of God will never take you where the grace of God cannot protect you.”

 Skorupka attends Scottsdale Bible Church and frequents FCA meetings when his football schedule allows him time. When he is not playing football, Skorupka writes and plays country music in the local area and has received attention from the Arizona Republic about his music career.

 “When times are going great, give the glory up,” said Skorupka. 

Ryan with Sparky                                                  Ryan with his family