TOWSON, Md. - When the Tigers open their 2012 season, senior wide receiver Tom Ryan will be back to lead their passing game.

Although the Philadelphia native doesn't generate eye-popping numbers, the Tigers can count on him to make the clutch reception. The sure-handed receiver enters his senior year with 83 career receptions for 995 yards and five touchdowns.

Despite the fact that he caught only three touchdown passes last season, they were all very important ones. Nobody will ever forget the 67-yard touchdown pass he caught on fourth down-and-29 with 1:07 left at Old Dominion.

He also had a pair of important touchdowns in the regular season finale at Rhode Island. With the Tigers clinging to a 14-10 third quarter lead, he caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Grant Enders to increase the lead to 21-10.

After URI pulled to within 21-17, Ryan grabbed a 16-yard TD pass from Enders to give Towson a 28-17 advantage with 6:06 left to play as the Tigers wrapped up the Colonial Athletic Association championship.