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"The Tugboat"
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/temp...ingle_news_show§ion=press&content_id=2136
The Ravens placed Frank Sanders next to Tommy Knight's locker:
May 02, 2003
SENIORITY DICTATES JERSEY NUMBERS
By Ross Hollebon
When asked about DE Terrell Suggs, the first of two Ravens opening round picks in the 2003 draft, a team official said the Arizona State pass-rusher would be doubled up.
It wasn’t a scout prophesizing, or a coach talking about pass protection schemes they expect to break down this season, as opponents attempt to hold the NCAA single-season sack record holder (24) in check.
It was a big ‘welcome to the NFL’ from Ravens head equipment manager, Ed Carroll, regarding the locker situation for rookies.
Having noticed a vacancy in the high-priced, Ray Lewis district of the locker room—a defensive neighborhood including the likes of Peter Boulware, Chris McAlister and Ed Reed—Carroll figured, “maybe I’ll stick him down there.”
But he’s still going to share a locker with another rookie, for the time being, as the off-season roster balloons.
Being a seven-year veteran, free agent signee, WR Frank Sanders, has no such worries.
“We had an open locker next to [cornerback] Tom Knight [Sanders teammate in Arizona for five years] so I put him there,” shared Carroll. “It makes the transition a little more comfortable for the guys.”
Another way the equipment staff helps the new player get acclimated is to do a little research from the player’s previous team’s equipment manager.
Whether it’s calling another pro team or digging up college phone numbers, the quicker the information is gathered, the easier it is to get a player suited up for the first mini-camp, which starts Friday, May 9, this year.
Darin Kerns, assistant equipment manager, was upstairs as soon as the picks were made, looking for college media guides. He has even gone so far as to watch college tapes to see what style facemask each player prefers.
“We like to talk to their old equipment guys to get sizes and preferences for the draft picks and free agents,” said Kerns. “Those guys tend to know any little equipment quirks that guys seem to have as well.”
The jersey numbers game is new for the rookies as well, in the world of locker room politics.
As a veteran, Sanders had an easier time than any of the draft picks in trying to secure his old number, 81.
Carroll, known as ‘the captain’ to members of the football staff, approached Sanders and discussed with him that WR Randy Hymes currently had the number.
“Frank said he’d like to have it but wouldn’t make a big fuss if he couldn’t,” said the captain.
Hymes reaction: “That’s cool—I’ll take 80.”
But once again the rookies have to take a back seat.
QB Kyle Boller, the second first round choice, approached Carroll about number seven.
“There’s no way,” said Ed. “First, he’s been here three years. And on top of that he was born July 7, 1977—7/7/77. He’s got seven.”
Taking it in stride, the former Cal Golden Bear quickly replied, “Wow…how about eight?”
Problem solved.
“What number am I?” asked Suggs upon meeting Carroll.
Knowing Suggs was 48 at Arizona State, Ed broke down the NFL’s specific rules for jersey numbers in relation to position.
“I told him as a linebacker in the NFL you’re supposed to be in the 50’s, and if they’re all taken, the 90’s.”
Captain told Terrell what numbers were available, and after making a call home to his father, Suggs said he wanted to take ‘double nickel.’
They may have new numbers and new places to hang their helmets, but the Ravens are banking on Suggs and Boller coming out with the same results as they posted in college last season.
The Ravens placed Frank Sanders next to Tommy Knight's locker:
May 02, 2003
SENIORITY DICTATES JERSEY NUMBERS
By Ross Hollebon
When asked about DE Terrell Suggs, the first of two Ravens opening round picks in the 2003 draft, a team official said the Arizona State pass-rusher would be doubled up.
It wasn’t a scout prophesizing, or a coach talking about pass protection schemes they expect to break down this season, as opponents attempt to hold the NCAA single-season sack record holder (24) in check.
It was a big ‘welcome to the NFL’ from Ravens head equipment manager, Ed Carroll, regarding the locker situation for rookies.
Having noticed a vacancy in the high-priced, Ray Lewis district of the locker room—a defensive neighborhood including the likes of Peter Boulware, Chris McAlister and Ed Reed—Carroll figured, “maybe I’ll stick him down there.”
But he’s still going to share a locker with another rookie, for the time being, as the off-season roster balloons.
Being a seven-year veteran, free agent signee, WR Frank Sanders, has no such worries.
“We had an open locker next to [cornerback] Tom Knight [Sanders teammate in Arizona for five years] so I put him there,” shared Carroll. “It makes the transition a little more comfortable for the guys.”
Another way the equipment staff helps the new player get acclimated is to do a little research from the player’s previous team’s equipment manager.
Whether it’s calling another pro team or digging up college phone numbers, the quicker the information is gathered, the easier it is to get a player suited up for the first mini-camp, which starts Friday, May 9, this year.
Darin Kerns, assistant equipment manager, was upstairs as soon as the picks were made, looking for college media guides. He has even gone so far as to watch college tapes to see what style facemask each player prefers.
“We like to talk to their old equipment guys to get sizes and preferences for the draft picks and free agents,” said Kerns. “Those guys tend to know any little equipment quirks that guys seem to have as well.”
The jersey numbers game is new for the rookies as well, in the world of locker room politics.
As a veteran, Sanders had an easier time than any of the draft picks in trying to secure his old number, 81.
Carroll, known as ‘the captain’ to members of the football staff, approached Sanders and discussed with him that WR Randy Hymes currently had the number.
“Frank said he’d like to have it but wouldn’t make a big fuss if he couldn’t,” said the captain.
Hymes reaction: “That’s cool—I’ll take 80.”
But once again the rookies have to take a back seat.
QB Kyle Boller, the second first round choice, approached Carroll about number seven.
“There’s no way,” said Ed. “First, he’s been here three years. And on top of that he was born July 7, 1977—7/7/77. He’s got seven.”
Taking it in stride, the former Cal Golden Bear quickly replied, “Wow…how about eight?”
Problem solved.
“What number am I?” asked Suggs upon meeting Carroll.
Knowing Suggs was 48 at Arizona State, Ed broke down the NFL’s specific rules for jersey numbers in relation to position.
“I told him as a linebacker in the NFL you’re supposed to be in the 50’s, and if they’re all taken, the 90’s.”
Captain told Terrell what numbers were available, and after making a call home to his father, Suggs said he wanted to take ‘double nickel.’
They may have new numbers and new places to hang their helmets, but the Ravens are banking on Suggs and Boller coming out with the same results as they posted in college last season.
