CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Ryan Hoover is 5-foot-7, 145 pounds and 45 years old. He has no formal background in football and only watched the game on a casual basis until 10 years ago. He doesn't look like a guy who is instrumental in developing the skills of a Pro Bowl defensive lineman eight inches taller and more than twice his weight.
Carolina Panthers defensive end Kawann Short credits Hoover, a martial arts expert, with getting him ready for training camp and improving his hand-eye coordination in ways that will help him get to the quarterback more efficiently.