McClain’s Raven
about new team

By Joe Mason
For the Times

Jameel McClain insists the particulars were pure luck.
The location didn’t play a part.
Neither did the chance to line up next to his favorite football player.
But when the Baltimore Ravens contacted McClain after last weekend’s NFL draft about joining the team as a free agent, everything seemed to fall into place.
That Baltimore is only a short ride down I-95 was just a coincidence. And, while lining up next to All-World linebacker Ray Lewis will be cool, it was the furthest thing from McClain’s mind when he agreed to terms.
Well, almost the furthest thing from his mind.
“As a football player, you have to look at this as a business, this wasn’t all fun, it was about finding a job where I was a good fit,” said McClain, a 2004 alum of George Washington High School who recently graduated from Syracuse University. “It’s great that I’ll be close to home, and if you ever ask me, I’ve always said Ray Lewis was my favorite player, but my agent and I decided that signing with the Ravens was in my best interest.”
McClain was a solid defensive end while playing for the Orangemen. However, last year, as the team struggled, McClain’s stats suffered. He recorded only 1.5 sacks during his senior season.
The year before, McClain had 9.5 sacks and notched 14.5 tackles for a loss. It earned him consideration as one of the top defensive ends in college football.
His days of playing on the defensive line could be over, though.
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder is expected to compete for a linebacker spot with the Ravens next year. For some, going from a three-point stance to a two-point stance might be a difficult transition, but McClain doesn’t see it that way.
“I didn’t sign as a linebacker or a defensive end, I signed as an athlete,” he said. “I’ll go in and work. If they need me to do anything, I’m willing to do it. When you want to be a football player, you have to work hard and do whatever’s necessary. I’m prepared to do that.”
Last summer, when McClain was hanging and banging in the weight room, he put forth the effort. He had hoped to hear his name called on Saturday, when the NFL conducted rounds three through seven of the draft. But when it came to a close without his selection by a team, McClain didn’t get too down. He decided he’d have to work a little harder.
“It’s good because I’ve always been hungry, but now my ribs are touching each other,” McClain said with a laugh. “I want to go out and show everyone what I’m capable of doing. You always want to prove you’re better than people thought you were.
“That’s another reason I signed with Baltimore,” he added. “It was a perfect fit and they have a defense I’d love to play for, but they wanted me. Some teams have a scout call you. Not Baltimore. I got a call from a scout, the linebackers coach and the general manager. When a team goes out of its way like that to make you feel special, it makes you feel like that’s a place you want to be.”
McClain leaves for Baltimore this week to attend a Ravens minicamp. He was planning to take full advantage of his time left in Philly.
“Most of my time, I’m going to spend it with my family and friends,” he said. “I’m going to work out as much as possible and get lots of massages.
“Anyone who knows me knows I love my family and I love football,” he said. “I’ve been spending as much time as possible with aunt and uncle (Greg and Gloria Smith), my brothers (Andrew and Andre Jackson) and my sister (Andrea Jackson). Once football starts, I’ll still see them, but I want to spend time with them now.”
Though he’s not looking forward to being away from his family, he is looking forward to getting back on the football field.
“When you’re working out for teams, they have you run and lift and stuff like that,” he said. “Signing with the Ravens feels good and all, but I just can’t wait to strap on that helmet and get everything started.
“I’m really not disappointed about anything,” he said. “I could have gotten picked with like the 240th pick or something, but I had a chance to pick my team and find a place that I really think will work out well for me. I couldn’t be happier right now.” ••
Joe Mason can be reached at joemason70@hotmail.com