Clemson center Ryan Linthicum wants to always carry on the legacy of the late Ella Bresee.

That’s why Linthicum plans to wear his “Ella Strong” tie to each game this season to continue honoring Ella, the younger sister of former Clemson defensive lineman and best friend Bryan Bresee.

Ella sadly passed away on Sept. 15, 2022, at 15 years old. She fought hard until the end before losing her battle with brain cancer way too soon.

“Ella was one of my dearest friends, and Bryan is still my best friend and the Bresee family,” Linthicum said this week. “Just wearing that tie, I’m going to wear it every week. And just carrying Ella’s legacy on — when she’s still not here, I want to be able to carry her legacy on forever. I love Ella and I love their family, and they mean so much to me. She always has a special place in my heart, and I just want to carry her legacy on forever.”

Linthicum, now a fifth-year senior, was teammates with Bryan at Damascus (Md.) High School.

As Linthicum said, he remains best friends with Bryan, who played at Clemson from 2020-22 and was a three-time All-ACC selection, as well as the 2020 ACC Defensive Rookie of the Year. Bryan is now entering his third NFL season after being selected by the New Orleans Saints in the first round (29th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Linthicum said he and Bryan still talk to each other every day.

“Bryan took me under his wing when he got here,” Linthicum said. “He showed me the ropes and he really created some mental toughness in me, just how this game works. So, it’s been a blessing. Bryan was one of my best friends and still is.”