For Marcus Smith, competing for a spot on the Ravens? roster is nothing compared to what the rookie receiver has endured just to have a chance to play in the National Football League.
When he was nine, his brother Marcus was killed during a drive-by shooting while riding a bike near his San Diego home. Later that year, he watched helplessly as his grandmother Barbara Lewis died of cancer. Days later, his uncle William Lewis was fatally shot. During his senior year at University of New Mexico, his mother Sheila died of a brain aneurysm, leaving him alone since his father was never a part of his life.
“Every day is a learning experience ,” Smith said. “And a growing process in my life.”
The next step for Smith, 23, is to prove he can play in the NFL after the Ravens selected the 6-foot-1, 220-pounder in the fourth round of the draft because they coveted his unique size and ability to also contribute on special teams.
Last season, he had 91 receptions for 1,125 yards and four touchdowns, and averaged 23.3 yards per kickoff return for the Lobos.
“He?s a tough guy, blocks really well, catches the ball in traffic and is very physical,” said Eric DeCosta, the Ravens? director of college scouting. “We felt like we wanted to bring a physical receiver and a bigger guy in here to compete for balls inside the numbers. I think he can compete and add a lot of value to the team.”
Smith was an All-Mountain West Conference selection and ranked 14th nationally in receptions. For his career, he ranked fourth in school in receptions (153) and seventh in receiving yards (2,073).
Still, Smith is not a favorite to earn a spot on a team filled with veteran receivers that include Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and Demetrius Williams. Smithdidn?t start playing receiver until his junior season at New Mexico, where he spent his first two years at running back.
“I?ve got to get out of the mindset of looking for contact,” Smith said. “I?ve got to learn to be more elusive, running routes and make guys miss. I?m getting used to it.”
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said he believes Smith has the potential to be a top-notch receiver, but will have to beat out fellow rookies Justin Harper and Ernie Wheelwright for a spot on the depth chart.
“We think he has great hands, and we hope he?s going to be a big-play guy,” Harbaugh said. “But our reputation for him was a tough, competitive guy who would block people and play great special teams ? a real physical hard-nosed player who had those other skills.”
