Undrafted wide receiver Shemar Bridges created some excitement Thursday night time with his remarkable functionality versus the Tennessee Titans in the preseason opener, but it’s just element of his extended journey to the NFL.
The 6-foot-4, 207-pound rookie out of Division II Fort Valley State completed with four catches for 62 yards, which include a leaping 38-lawn capture and a 14-yard touchdown grab.
Last but not least, the Ravens experienced a receiver who could make acrobatic catches and not slide down when he caught a go above the middle, or bolt for the sidelines.
But Thursday evening was only a glimpse of Bridges’ opportunity. He is basically nevertheless a uncooked expertise.
“He’s a excellent young prospect that’s seriously flashing,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman. “All of those people youthful guys, they’re working just about every day on those people unique applications, and I imagine he is a very diligent worker. Everyone has space for improvement, but I’m really pleased with where by he is at and what he’s revealed so much.
“But he’s correct at the commencing of his journey, so there is a ton of function to be accomplished nevertheless, and a ton of expertise to be experienced. But he’s performing a pleasant career.”
People text could possibly be disheartening for some youthful players, but not Bridges. Inspite of his velocity, substantial body, potent fingers and leaping means, he wants to make improvements to on his route functioning and hand placement. He’s getting far too prolonged and his fingers are as well much away from his system when catching the ball.
Bridges, although, likes the obstacle. He attended The Potter’s Property Significant School, a tiny Christian Academy in Jacksonville not acknowledged for turning out college or university soccer players. He sooner or later went to Tusculum College in Tennessee ahead of transferring to Fort Valley State, a historically Black college in Ga.
Bridges, 24, appeared in only 16 online games at Fort Valley Point out due to the fact his seasons were being slice limited by coronavirus fears and accidents, but he nonetheless experienced 98 job receptions for 1,358 property and 7 touchdowns.
That was not enough to get him invited to the once-a-year NFL Scouting Incorporate, but it was enough for the Ravens to offer him a tryout in schooling camp — some groups only presented him a transient look in minicamps.
“I came out of superior faculty as a late bloomer and once I got to Fort Valley, we had the COVID challenges, so I believed it would be improved for me to wait around and put in a different 12 months,” stated Bridges. “It took me a little lengthier to get right here but I’m just pleased to be here. I enjoy every little thing I went through since it designed me stronger.
“Some ups and downs, some bumpy streets, but God blessed me to be below. I give all the glory to my Lord and savior Jesus Christ that I’m right here. I’m just thankful for the Ravens for giving me an option. I’m just trying to make the most of it.”
Bridges’ successes in schooling camp have outweighed his setbacks. Like most younger gamers, there is a continual fight among fatigue and target, and he’s dropped a several passes. He also requirements to be smoother likely in and out of breaks.
There is potential for Bridges to be that “big-body” wideout. He takes advantage of his overall body like a power ahead or previous Ravens receiver Anquan Boldin. You get posture and defend the ball away from defenders.
Then there is the vertical leap, which is tougher than most men and women recognize. It’s not just about positioning but timing the jump and owning the finger strength to convey it down. It could be a luxury for the Ravens, whose commencing receivers, on common, are about 6 ft tall.
Every single quarterback enjoys a large receiver in the pink zone. In higher education, Bridges had only a single coach. In Baltimore, he has two positional coaches in large receivers mentor Tee Martin and the really animated Keith Williams, the team’s pass game professional. Both equally have hastened Bridges’ improvement.
“They address you like standard guys. They can get on you in the room, but you can also sit with them, giggle and joke,” Bridges said. “They are quite private.
“I truly feel like I’m a significant receiver who can engage in large. But also, I feel like I’m learning how to run routes and staying ready to be flexible and versatile with my sizing, to capture in excess of people and to box folks out.”
The key to Bridges making the last roster could appear down to him taking part in on unique groups. If he is a 2nd- or third-workforce receiver, he has to be ready to lead in some other way like previous Ravens receiver Miles Boykin, who was a gunner on the punt group. The Ravens are leaving Bridges an solution.
“It’s like all the younger guys he has acquired to appear out in this article, and he’s just got to compete,” said specific groups coach Chris Horton. “Shemar, he has carried out a very good occupation, and we have obtained to just come across strategies to set him in the suitable situation and just allow him go perform. But he’ll get a prospect to showcase his abilities [as a gunner]. He’s just got to continue to keep working.”
Oh, he will. Bridges doesn’t know any other way. His journey will be virtually full if he tends to make the initial 53-guy roster.
“I just have to maintain grinding and preserve working,” he said. “And, keep humble.”
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