HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "OK, it's good to see everybody. I appreciate you being here. [It was a] good day today. We actually had a little weather, which was kind of fun. We got some work with handling the ball with the rain and everything like that, which was a nice bonus for us. Obviously, [it] cooled off. I think the hurricane [Erin] is coming. But it has been cool the last couple of days, so that's been kind of a good thing for our guys because we had so much heat during training camp. I am happy with the guys. Today's practice was focused on the game Saturday [at Washington], and that's what the reps were pointed towards. It's the first time we've done that this week, so those guys can get a feel for the game. We're looking forward to the opportunity to go down there and play."
We didn't see QB Lamar Jackson out there today. Any updates on him? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes. [Lamar Jackson] got his foot stepped on, like we said yesterday. They did a quick X-Ray, and there's no damage or anything like that. I'm sure it's a little sore today, so we just kept him inside, but he's fine. He's going to be good."
How much of a relief is that for you after hearing that news? (Jerry Coleman) "It was a big relief. I told the guys, I said, 'Prayers do get answered, because I was praying.' I was praying, and God came through. But yes, [Lamar Jackson is] good."
Do you sense around this time of the year, when it's getting closer to the roster cut down, is there a difference, especially with the guys that know they might be fighting for their NFL lives? Is there a change in just the environment or atmosphere or anything for those guys? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes, that's a good question. I think there's a subtle change. I think there's a subtle change toward – 'OK, it's real. What's next for me? Am I going to have an opportunity here or possibly somewhere else?' I think that's on guys' minds."
What have you seen from him ILB Chandler Martin? (Brian Wacker) "Chandler [Martin] has look good. I think he and Jay [Higgins IV] have both done a really good job. Will Kwenkeu was doing a good job before he got hurt, but those guys have played good ball. They've learned the defense well and played well and have done well on special teams, so I am very happy [with them]. [Chandler Martin] is in the mix. He's one of those guys in the mix, for sure."
We haven't seen FB Patrick Ricard in a while. Is everything OK with him? (Cordell Woodland) "Yes, [Patrick Ricard]'s got a little soft tissue thing. We're just holding him out this week. He should be back next week."
When it comes to roster cuts, how much do you weigh what you see in practice versus what you see in a game? Because it's not always equal. (Carita Parks) "I think it's kind of a combination of both. You factor in both. The body of work in practice is important, because there's so much of it, and it does give you a really good foundation. I think the games are kind of like the front porch and the yard. The games are the final piece. You want to put it all together and see guys do it under the lights, as well, so it ties together that way, probably."
We're talking to inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci soon. Just curious to hear your perspective, what's he been like in his first training camp here? (Sam Cohn) "Tyler [Santucci] has done a great job. He's a heck of a coach. He proved that in college, as the defensive coordinator at Georgia Tech and all his stops before that. He came highly recommended. He's a very detailed coach. He's very determined [to make sure] that the guys have a clear picture of what their job is, and I think he's a really good teacher. So, [with] all those things, he's doing a heck of a job. I know he's motivated. He wants his guys to play well, and you really appreciate that as a head coach."
INSIDE LINEBACKERS COACH TYLER SANTUCCI
I guess a name that's gotten a lot of attention as maybe a surprise candidate to make the roster is Jay Higgins IV. How has he impressed you? (*Childs Walker)* "I think Jay [Higgins IV] just goes about his business every single day. He gets better every single day. He gets corrections after one time. He can take it from the meeting room to the field pretty abruptly. He did it in college at a really high level. He was very productive in college in games. I think that that's what he's showcasing when he plays in these games. He showcases what he's best at, and that's playing football. Kudos to him; he's put the work in since the day he's gotten here. He's worked extremely hard to understand the defense, where he needs to be, when he needs to be there. I'm really proud of him and his progress over these last couple weeks."
Since you've gotten here, what has it been like just being part of this defense and working for Zach Orr? (*Giana Han)* "[I am] extremely grateful. Just [working for] [owner] Mr. [Steve] Bisciotti, [head coach] Coach [John] Harbaugh, [executive vice president & general manager] Eric DeCosta, to be a part of this organization - it's been phenomenal. Then [with defensive coordinator] Zach Orr, having somebody in the coordinator position that's been in the shoes that I'm in now, I think is invaluable in terms of like, 'Hey, it's my first time in the NFL, it's [Year] One.' But he's also been a linebacker coach, so [he's] worked with rotations, how practice goes, things of that nature, the expectations. Having him to lean on throughout this whole process has been unbelievable. Then the whole organization, the linebacker unit, just having Roquan [Smith] as a sounding board, it's just been phenomenal. It's been a great experience."
In what ways has ILB Roquan Smith been a sounding board for you? (*Carita Parks)* "[Roquan Smith]'s just been here. He understands this place. He understands the defense in terms of like, 'Hey, this is how I want to teach this. Does it make sense to you? This is how I understand it. This is how I want to teach it.' And maybe it'll be a side meeting with him prior to meeting with everybody else, just so that the communication is clear, and there's not two languages within the room. There's a specific language we use in the Ravens defense, and that starts with [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr], then it goes through me, and it filters through the players. I just want to make sure that we're all on the same page as we get that going."
How much does your background as a college coordinator help you with being a position coach in the NFL? And are there aspects of the college game that you can kind of bring to the NFL? (*Ryan Mink)* "Yes. As a position coach, first, you understand that your job is to help the coordinator as much as you can. [You want to] make his job as easy as possible, is kind of like what my thought always has been, as a G.A. doing that, as an assistant coach doing that, and now as an assistant here doing the same thing, hopefully, for [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr]. And then, there's some different things that we see in college that maybe haven't made their way to the NFL yet. But hey, maybe it's on its way. So, we just have to make sure we have rules for A, B and C. We have rules for this over here, but these are the other things that could show up. I think Zach has been open to at least hearing the discussion and building some rules maybe for some outlier things that hadn't showed up yet."
We heard head coach John Harbaugh say a minute ago that you came highly recommended. Is there anything you can share about how this came together and what it's been like for you to get that first NFL job? (*Sam Cohn)* "
"It kind of happened out of the blue. I got a phone call. I was in Northern Virginia at a [potential player's] home visit [while I was] recruiting. I got a phone call. I did not anticipate it, not one bit. This is the closest I've ever been to home, to my wife's home, to family, and to be at this organization coaching this position ... I hung up the phone. I almost shed a tear driving, had to pull over, called my wife, and she started crying. So, it was just one of those things, it's like God works in mysterious ways, and that was one of the ways that it just kind of happened out of the blue, and I'm very grateful for it."
Was it head coach John Harbaugh who called you? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "Yes."
Did you answer your phone right away? (*Brian Wacker)* "Oh, I didn't know it was [head coach John Harbaugh], and I answered it because I usually, as long as it doesn't say 'spam' on it, I usually answer it. So, I did answer it. And yes, it was Coach Harbaugh, so that was pretty cool."
Had you considered a move to the NFL previously? (*Ryan Mink)* "Well, it's been a dream of mine, quite honestly. I love coaching college football, but this has been a long dream of mine to work with the best in the world at what they do, coaches [and] players alike. To get the opportunity, I felt like all the stars kind of aligned with the place, the people and just what this place really had to offer from a football standpoint."
Did you have a mutual friend or colleague that connected you and head coach John Harbaugh? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "Yes, I mean, there was maybe some conversation, but no, nothing mutual. [Former Wake Forest head football coach] Dave Clawson is somebody that I worked for. I was a graduate assistant for him at Wake Forest. I know [head] Coach [John] Harbaugh and he had a pretty good relationship over the years, so that would probably be the closest one, along with [Texas A&M's head football coach] Mike Elko, who also got to build a little bit of relationship with Coach Harbaugh."
When you looked at some of the breakdowns in the middle of the field last year and you talked to the guys, was there any kind of common denominator that stood out to you as just breaking down what actually led to some of those bad moments? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "I don't know. I can't speak on what happened a year ago. I know I have a job to do now that I'm here, and that is to make sure that we're on the same page single time that we're out on the field together. And that may just be us together as linebackers. That may be us working with DBs in coverage or in run fits. Our job is to do that and do that at the highest level, because that is the expectation and the standard here. So, we're going to continue to work at that. That's probably more of what I focused on rather than what has happened rather than what we can control since I've gotten here."
What growth have you seen from Trenton Simpson from when you got here until now? (*Ryan Mink)* "[Trenton Simpson] is a little bit like Jay [Higgins IV] in terms of [how he] shows up to work every single day, is a warrior, meaning he hasn't missed a practice, hasn't missed a rep practice since the day I've gotten here [and] has continued to progress. The small things that we talk about in the meeting room, he shows up, and he does it out on the field. There was a little bit of 'Aha' moment in the spring, and it was the smallest thing. It was like an adjustment in his stance and he was like, 'Oh, I feel it. That's a difference. That makes me feel a little bit different in my stance.' That's what we're working towards, those small things that'll make a difference in the games. So, I'm really proud of 'Trent' and where he has come up to this point."
What has impressed you so far about ILB Teddye Buchanan? (*Giana Han)* "I think [Teddye Buchanan]'s very mature as a rookie. Obviously, I've never had a rookie class, but to me he's mature, meaning he understands the game, he understands the expectations, he takes the playbook, [and] he learns it. He's learning both positions right now, which is not an easy thing to do. And he takes coaching well, so he can do the same things. I've got a great group. Everyone in that room, they take coaching, we do it in the meeting room, we practice it, we walk through it, and they got it. That's what Teddye, just like all those guys, has that point to him, and it's really important to him. Anytime it's really important to you, you try really hard to be right, and that's what these guys do, including Teddye."
ILB TEDDYE BUCHANAN
On his biggest strides throughout his time so far with the Ravens: "Kind of everywhere. I feel like coming in fresh [and] learning the defense, it's a lot to take in at once, but just as time goes on, you're going to progress naturally. [By] just working hard [and] taking it day-by-day, I think I've been able to grow in every aspect, especially understanding the defense [and] getting used to the speed of the NFL. Yes, [I feel like] overall, [I'm] just improving."
On if he felt like he took a step forward from the first preseason game to the second: "Yes, I would definitely say that. [I was] kind of getting my feet wet [in] that first preseason game and then getting to feel comfortable [in the second game]. The whole defense [and] the whole team was able to play really well that second preseason game. So yes, just continuing to build every single day."
On what it's been like working with inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci: "'Coach Tucc' [inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci] is an amazing instructor [and an] amazing man. [He] looks out for us, as players and as people. It's been an honor to work with him. I know it's his rookie year in the NFL as well, so getting to go through that together has been a really cool experience. I've learned a ton from him in a really short time."
On if ILB Roquan Smith has been a sounding board for him: "Absolutely, yes. Roquan [Smith]'s list of accolades goes on and on, so getting able to learn from a guy like that is invaluable for me as a rookie. Just getting to see how he thinks about the game, the processes he goes through, has helped me a ton and helped me grow really fast."
On if there is pressure to keep up with all of the star players on this roster: "Absolutely. When you have great teammates around you, that's just going to push you to be better. A great part of being on this team is that I have to elevate my game every single day. Iron sharpens iron, so it's great to go against great players on offense and have great players around me on defense to really just bring the whole team up every single day."
On where he thinks he can impact the team the most: "I think every aspect of the game [from] special teams [to] defense ... For me, I'm focused on the process of every single day, improving every single day, and I'm pretty shortsighted in that aspect. [I'm] just trying to do what I can today and tomorrow to get better and just let the rest take care of itself."
On playing multiple inside linebacker positions and if he's had prior experience doing that: "Yes. At [UC] Davis – I spent four years there – I played 'dime,' the weakside backer [position] my whole time there. Then when I got to Cal, I switched over to 'Mike' [linebacker]. So, I do have experience playing both, but [I have] never played both at the same time. Having to learn both really forces you to understand the defense on a deeper level and just know what piece of the puzzle you are in many different scenarios. It's been a process that I've really enjoyed, just getting to understand the defense on a deeper level. Getting to play both puts you in different spots and more opportunities to make plays."
On if multiple players in the inside linebacker room are learning both linebacker positions: "There are certain guys who play one, and certain guys who play both. I just happen to be one of the guys who is learning both."
WR DEVONTEZ WALKER
On his goals coming into training camp and if he feels like he's had the training camp he wanted to have: "My goals are the same as [they were] coming in last year – finding that role in this offense [and] being another asset for Lamar [Jackson]. I feel like I've done a good job in this camp of showing my abilities and things like that."
On the chemistry he has with QB Lamar Jackson and how it's growing: "I feel like it's grown, just going up to [Lamar Jackson] in locker room, conversating with him [on] where he needs me to be. He's asking me where I would like the ball. How [do] you want me to break on this route or that route? So, we're just conversating and then going to show it on the field, and that's why it has been the way it's been."
On what a training camp like this does for his confidence as a young player: "Like you said, I feel like it builds a lot of confidence. You're out there making plays. The coaches see that, and they come up to you. Like I said, it just builds a lot of confidence, and I feel like that's what this camp has done."
On where he's improved from last year's training camp to this year: "I think [I've improved in] showing I can run every route in the tree. Last year, when I came in, it was more so just down the field [as a] third-level threat. I feel like [coming] off this training camp [and in] these last couple of games, I've shown I can win underneath, so I feel like I've shown that I'm growing into a complete receiver."
On the advice WR DeAndre Hopkins has given him: "It's [DeAndre Hopkins] telling me [to] just go out there and play. The coaches, they're there to coach you up and do all those things, and he's just like, 'Clear your minds and just go out there and play. You play your fastest when you can go out there and do it.' He's done it. He's been there [and] done that in this league, and that's how I'd say he's went about it."
On if not having a significant role in the offense last year was an adjustment for him: "Yes, it was a little [bit of an] adjustment, but I just had the mindset [to] be ready when that number's called, so I feel like, when I did get out there, I made the most of my opportunities. Having that mindset, I feel like that helped me out a lot. So, I wouldn't say it was disappointing or frustrating. That's how I approached it."
On scoring his first NFL touchdown last season against the Giants: "[It was a] surreal moment. I've dreamed of being in the NFL my whole life, so finally getting my first catch and scoring [a touchdown], that's a moment I'll cherish forever."
On where the football from his first touchdown is located: "It's sitting on my dresser at home in my apartment."
On how he felt when the team signed WR DeAndre Hopkins: "I was excited. Like you said, this is somebody I've watched since middle school. So, being in the same locker room and on the same field as somebody of that caliber that I kind of modeled my game after early on, it was amazing seeing that. So, I've really enjoyed it so far."
On how QB Lamar Jackson has improved his communication during training camp: "Yes, it has been really good. After a series or something out there, [Lamar Jackson] will come to us, pull us to him, and we'll talk through the route or the concept or whatnot, and what he wants, what he needs, what we want [and] what we need. Then, [he's] just going out there and showing it, and then also communicating that stuff that he needs to the coaches. So, [we're] all just being on one accord, and I feel like that's helped me out a lot. Like I said before, [we're] just building that confidence and rapport with him."
On if there's anything specific he's learned from QB Lamar Jackson during training camp: "Off the top of my head, I can't think of anything right now, but pretty sure there's some things though."
On what it's been like working with QB Cooper Rush: "It has been really good. Cooper Rush, he's very different than Lamar [Jackson]. He has a lot of throws [with] anticipation, so I feel like it's been really good. I feel like he's going to be a good piece for us."
On how making contested catches stems from his increased sense of confidence: "It builds a lot of confidence, especially knowing you have that ability, and coaches see that. It gives them more confidence to put you out there in a game situation. Maybe the ball isn't where it's supposed to be, but knowing they've got a receiver who can go back to it or adjust to it, and [know] he's going to catch it, that means a lot to them. 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins], he's coming up to you saying, 'That was a great catch.' It's a really good feeling."
On what he's gained from WRs Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers and Tylan Wallace: "I've been able to gain a lot [from] watching them. [Seeing] how they approach the details and their routes and being able to do those things in their routes, it has helped me out a lot. Watching them and then trying to go out there and do what they did, I feel like it has been really big for me."
On going against the Ravens secondary and how that's helped him: "Oh yes, it has definitely helped me out, especially getting out there in the games. I'm going against the best defense in the league every day, so there's nothing that I haven't seen already when I get out there in the game, and that makes me a lot more comfortable out there."
On the value of special teams and on how coaches have told him he can earn regular snaps throughout the season: "Yes, [the coaches] haven't told me anything specific, but I kind of had an idea [to] go out there and make plays on special teams. I can earn that trust to go out there and do the same thing when we get out there on offense. So, I would say special teams has been really big [for me] since I got here last year."
