Demetrius Williams sat on a stool inside the Baltimore Ravens? lockerroom in a T-shirt and sweatpants following Sunday?s morning practice at the team?s rookie minicamp.
The California-raised, former Oregon University wide receiver and fourth-round selection in the National Football League draft was one of the standouts this weekend, impressing onlookers with his receiving ability, alternating between running shorter and longer routes with ease.
“It?s been a lot of fun, especially being in a good organization. It?s exciting for me. I?m out here with some great coaches. It makes it wonderful. I?m just trying to make the team right now,” Williams said.
During one play, rookie free agent Drew Olsen hit Williams in stride on a sideline fade route. Olsen, who played for UCLA, and Williams were opponents in the Pac-10 Conference, but the two had chemistry on the field.
“I worked out with him actually before I came up here,” Williams said. “We worked out together in the Bay Area, so I had already gotten used to him. He?s a good quarterback. It?s kind of easy catching him now, especially after we?ve been working out together.”
Williams not only could make the team, but some in the organization have said they believe Williams could make a move for the third wide receiver spot, competing with Devard Darling and Clarence Moore.
“Those are great players. They wouldn?t be here if they weren?t,” Williams said. “I haven?t really seen them play that much, but I?m just trying to learn all of this and get on the field any way I can.”
Head coach Brian Billick said rookies such as Williams would get a true test against veterans in the coming weeks.
“They get into a comfort zone with one another by the end of this afternoon to where they?ll feel half decent about themselves, and then the vets will come in on Tuesday and they?ll go right back to wondering if they know which way is up and which way is down,” Billick said Sunday.
IN THE FOLD
» The Ravens signed 12 undrafted rookie free agents over the weekend. They include: Jimmy Cottrell, LB, New Mexico State; B.J. Dean, FB, Florida State; Shannon James, S, Massachusetts; Nick Leaders, DT, Iowa State; Robin Meadow, OT, Washington; TresMoses, WR, Rutgers; Drew Olson, QB, UCLA; Steve Paris, S, Iowa State; Ronnie Prude, CB, LSU; Kyle Roper, G, Arkansas; Cory Ross, RB, Nebraska; Rufus Skillern, WR, San Jose State.
