The Baltimore Ravens are in a new era under new coach Jesse Minter. Accordingly, they are introducing a new culture. With this NFL draft class entering Baltimore’s culture shift, it seems that one rookie will have no problem knowing what it takes to be a Raven. That guy is USC Trojan Ja’Kobi Lane.
Ravens Wire’s Geoffrey A. Knox sheds light on how Ja’Kobi Lane already feels at home with the Ravens in a recent article. Here is what he had to say about Lane’s familiarity with the Baltimore organization:
“The Baltimore Ravens didn’t just add another wide receiver. They added a player whose story already feels connected to the organization in more ways than one. Ja’Kobi Lane was selected by the Ravens 80th overall. He comes with intriguing physical traits, but it’s the relationships behind the scenes that make this fit feel even more natural.
One of the most notable connections traces back to Todd Heap, a franchise legend who once served as a high school assistant coach for Lane. That relationship clearly left a lasting impression.
Lane didn’t hesitate when speaking about Heap during a video call with the media, calling him a mentor and “one of the best human beings” he’s ever been around. He credited the former Ravens great with helping him grow not only as a football player but “tenfold as a man.” That kind of praise says as much about Lane as it does about Heap, and it offers an early glimpse into the character Baltimore is bringing into its locker room.”
Having a rookie walk into a new culture where he already knows what it means to play for a franchise as historic as the Baltimore Ravens goes a long way. Safe to say the Ravens will not have to try too hard to get Lane to buy in, and they are adding someone who will be a seamless fit.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Ja’Kobi Lane will fit in Baltimore like a glove thanks to former Raven
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
