Reuben Lowery is too humble to act like the smartest person in the room, but he often is.
The Ravens' undrafted rookie defensive back was on the dean's list at Tennessee-Chattanooga and has a degree in mechanical engineering. He was also a member of UTC Rocket Mocs, a student amateur rocketry group that earned NASA recognition as one of the best in the country for five consecutive years.
Asked why Lowery has continued to shine throughout the spring and summer, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr had an immediate answer.
"It's his football IQ," Orr said. "When he came in, he was playing corner and nickel for us, and then we added safety to his plate, and now he's playing all over the secondary.
"For an undrafted rookie to do that right away and still make plays is amazing. Obviously. he's a really smart player."
Smart enough to know that his work isn't done.
As the Ravens prepare for Saturday night's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, Lowery is competing for a 53-man roster spot in one of the NFL's deepest secondaries. He's not letting the praise he has received from coaches and teammates go to his head, and it shows as he continues to make plays.
Lowery had another strong practice day on Wednesday with two pass deflections while playing safety. He anticipated one throw to the end zone and closed quickly to get his hands on the football. That's the way it has been since rookie minicamp. He had three interceptions during OTAs and another on the second day of training camp. Nothing seems too big for Lowery, an undersized defensive back listed at 5-foot-9, 204 pounds.
When he started coming to the Under Armour Performance Center this spring, Lowery didn't know any of his teammates. Now he's in daily secondary meetings with Kyle Hamilton, Jaire Alexander, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins, soaking up knowledge and playing with confidence.
"It's insane. I grew up watching Marlo and Jaire, and I'm a big fan of K-Ham," Lowery said. "You walk into the room, it's like, 'Man, this is crazy.' But at the same time, you have to step into reality and play your role. Trust that you bring a value and skillset to the room. Serve the guys around you and see where you can help out and fit in."
Lowery wasn't a heavily recruited player coming out of Hillgrove High School in Powder Springs, Ga., but playing at a prep football factory helped his development. He's used to being around big-time talent. Current NFL players who went to Hillgrove include Miami Dolphins Pro Bowl linebacker Bradley Chubb, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Myles Murphy, and Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram.
Some colleges were wary of Lowery's size and shied away from recruiting him. But he attended a summer football camp at Tennessee-Chattanooga and the coaching staff was sold immediately.
It wasn't just Lowery as a football player that impressed Head Coach Rusty Wright. It was Lowery the person.
"He's 100 times better a person than a player," Wright said. "And he's a heck of a player.
"He understands the schematics of a defense, how the other team is trying to attack you. He's not the biggest guy, and it never mattered. He played corner and nickel for us and there's no doubt in my mind he could've played safety. We blitzed him off the edge. He wasn't scared to take on an offensive tackle. With him, what you see is what you get, and it's pretty special."
Lowery is used to exceeding expectations. He wasn't invited to the NFL Combine in February and watched the draft at home with family and friends. He admits that he was initially disappointed when his name wasn't called on Day 3.
"It was hard. You want to see your name on the board," Lowery said. "You want to get that phone call. My grandpa was there and everything."
Then, about an hour after the draft, the Ravens called with an offer to join them as an undrafted rookie.
"It went from being a very low day to a very high one," Lowery said. "You could see it in people's faces. I'm so blessed that the Ravens picked me up."
Lowery remains determined to make the most of his opportunity. At least one undrafted rookie has made Baltimore's opening 53-man roster in 20 of the last 21 years. Lowery doesn't know how things will play out, but the mechanical engineer has already shown he's pretty good at figuring things out.
"I'm focusing on being consistent and being where I'm supposed to be," Lowery said. "Doing it fast when things are in the heat of the moment. Being instinctive in those moments allows you to make those plays.
"I definitely appreciate the coaches' words. But it's also a statement to me to keep pushing. Not to flatline, not to drop off. The more you do, the more eyes are on you. Be consistent with your routine and grind. That's what got me here."
