Damien Berry, the running back from Miami who spent 2011 on the Ravens’ practice squad, looked as if he had gotten stronger since the end of last season. The team has said he is among those competing for a reserve role behind Ray Rice. He would seem to have his work cut out for him since Bernard Pierce was added as a third-round pick, but Berry looked quick, polished and in shape over the weekend.
Berry shows the rookies how it's done, catching a short pass, making the cut and sprinting downfield, looking every bit of the guy who could get some serious YAC.


(csnwashington.com)

Every Thursday Night proCanes.com joins All Canes Radio to bring the latest news on not only current Hurricane football but also proCane news and exclusive interviews with current and former proCanes live from the All Canes Store in Coral Gables. Click here to listen to this week’s show and hear our exclusive interview with rookie proCane Damien Berry of the Baltimore Ravens. Berry was the starting running back for the Canes in 2010 and signed as an undrafted free-agent rookie with the Baltimore Ravens. Berry was on the Ravens’ practice squad last year and looks to make the active roster this season. Listen to Berry talk about his days at Miami, being in the same locker room as Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Bryant McKinnie in Baltimore and also hear Berry’s impassioned speech about what the Hurricanes need to do this season to get back to their winning ways.

When Ricky Williams surprisingly announced his retirement six weeks ago, the Ravens said they planned to give Anthony Allen – their 2011 seventh-round draft pick – every chance to win the job as Ray Rice’s backup.

Meanwhile, suggestions of “name” veterans who could fill the role consistently circulated, with Le’Ron McClain and Peyton Hillis among those mentioned. Both had the power running style the Ravens want.

But two days into free agency, the market for such established, straight-ahead ball-carriers is dwindling, seemingly increasing the chances of Allen taking over the job.

The Ravens also have Damien Berry, who spent 2011 on their practice squad as an undrafted free agent from Miami.

“We have Anthony Allen, a young kid that we drafted out of Georgia Tech, and we’re going to give him every opportunity to be that guy,” Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said last month. “Now that you’ve had a guy on campus for a full year, it’s almost like having those two young tight ends (Ed Dickson and Dennis Pitta) last year and having a good feeling that those guys can play for us. We’ve got Anthony and we’ll give him every opportunity. Damien Berry, he’ll get some opportunities. We’ll go into August like we did last year and try to (figure) that out.”


(csnwashington.com)

Coach John Harbaugh, on radio station 105.7 The Fan, expressed confidence in RBs Anthony Allen and Damien Berry as backups to Ray Rice with Ricky Williams now retired. “We’ve seen them practice all year," Harbaugh said. "Those two guys, they can do it."



(cbssports.com)

The Ravens will save $1.5 million on the salary cap with Williams' retirement. I wouldn't be surprised to see them add an inexpensive free agent veteran to replace Williams, or they could turn to a younger player, such as Anthony Allen or Damien Berry.

Berry, spent 2011 on the practice squad. 


(masnsports.com)

Ravens signed RB Damien Berry, WR Patrick Williams, WR Phillip Livas, WR Rodney Bradley, TE Davon Drew, DT Bryan Hall, and C Cecil Newton to reserve/futures contracts.

Basically, to answer any questions before they come in, reserve/future deals can be reached with players who have two or fewer years of accrued service.

All seven guys listed above either ended the season on the Ravens' practice squad or were on it at some point this season before going on injured reserve.

Practice squad contracts expire at the end of the season, and so the Ravens struck reserve/future deals with these guys to retain their rights. The contracts don't necessarily mean that these players will be with the team in training camp, but they are currently under team control and will be able to work out at the Ravens' facilities during the offseason.


(masn.com)

Comments

The Philadelphia Eagles cut rookie running back Graig Cooper. The Eagles are deep at the running back position, so look for Cooper to sign as a free agent with another team, he looked quite good this pre-season. The Eagles also cut WR Sinorice Moss. Moss had another great training camp, but was a victim of a deep crop of WRs. Moss has the talent and has shown it when given the opportunity and when healthy. WRs go down due to injury quite often, look for a team to pick him up.

The Miami Dolphins cut TE Dedrick Epps. Epps was cut last year as well but eventually made the Dolphins practice squad. Look for him to latch onto the practice squad again considering how thin the Dolphins are at the TE position.

WR Darnell Jenkins was cut by the New England Patriots. Most scouts seem to think he will find a spot on someone’s roster.

S Jared Campbell, brother of Arizona Cardinal Calais Campbell was cut by the Cardinals. Campbell played well in limited action in the preseason. He may be able to make a practice squad.

The New England Patriots, in a surprise move, cut safety Brandon Meriweather. Meriweather who has been to two consecutive Pro Bowls reportedly freelanced too much in the Patriot backfield and was underperforming. It’s not clear as to whether it was also money issue, but Meriweather is definitely still an elite talent at safety in the NFL. Look for teams thin at that position like the Dolphins and Chiefs to go after Meriweather.

Baraka Atkins LB/DE who had been signed by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason was cut as well. Atkins was one of the final cuts of the Denver Broncos last year after spending the beginning of his career with the Seahawks.

10-year veteran DL Damione Lewis was cut by the Houston Texans. Lewis was a late addition to the Texans squad last year and played very well both last year and this preseason. What didn’t help Lewis this year was the fact that the Texans changed to a 3-4 defense and Lewis is much better suite as a DL in the 4-3.

Brett Romberg who was a surprise signing by the Atlanta Falcons only a couple of days ago, after not playing at all during the 2010 season, was cut by the Falcons as concerns over their starting center’s health subsided. Don’t be surprised to see Romberg get signed if the Falcons sustain an injury there.

Running back Damien Berry was cut by the Ravens. Berry was slowed by an ankle injury that he suffered in the first game of the pre season, and as a result didn’t play until the fourth game. Berry has NFL skills. BERRY WAS SIGNED TO THE RAVENS PRACTICE SQUAD.

LB Tavares Gooden. Gooden was drafted by the Ravens to eventually replace Ray Lewis at the MLB position, but injuries have really slowed his career. Gooden, if healthy, can start for most NFL teams, but this pre season was no different as he continued to deal with injuries. THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS SIGNED GOODEN TO A 1-YEAR DEAL.

Rookie defensive back Ryan Hill was waived by the Minnessota Vikings. Hill didn’t play a lot this pre season but when he did, like in the final pre season game for the Vikings, he performed well leading the team in tackles. The Vikings had Hill listed as a safety. He has the size and speed to play both corner and safety which gives him the type of versatility a lot of teams look for.

Javarris James, RB who led the Indianapolis Colts last year in rushing touchdowns after playing only about half the season was cut by the Colts.

Second-year defensive lineman Dwayne Hendricks who was on the NY Giants practice squad last year and was called up and played in a regular season game last year for the Giants was cut. Giants did have a very good pre-season. THE GIANTS SIGNED HENDRICKS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie DB Corey Nelms was cut by the 49ers. Nelms was a surprise free agent signing and did get playing time in the preseason. THE 49ERS SIGNED NELMS TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.

Rookie Fullback Patrick Hill was cut by the Tennessee Titans. Hill didn’t get any carries in the preseason for the Titans.

It may not be a stretch to assert that the odds of rookie running back Damien Berry making the Ravens’ 53-man roster are long.

But if there’s no room with the Ravens, Berry, an undrafted free agent out of the University of Miami, said he thinks he can play in the NFL.

“I’ve thought about it because this is a great team, and I would love to be here,” he said after Friday’s practice at the team’s training facility in Owings Mills. “At the end of the day, it’s a job. It’s something you’ve got to do, and if you can’t do it here, you can always go somewhere else to do it. The journey doesn’t just stop here.”

Berry registered his best performance of the preseason on Thursday night, carrying the ball eight times for 31 yards and one touchdown in the Ravens’ 21-7 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. That showing boosted Berry’s morale.

“It gives me a lot of confidence,” he said. “After I played in the first game, I hurt my ankle a little bit, and I couldn’t play until the fourth game. I think that boosted a little bit of my status with the coaches and showed them that I am explosive and can do the goal-line stuff. It gives me a lot of confidence.”

Berry said his preference would be to remain with the Ravens. But he said he does not have any inside information on his standing with the coaching staff.

“I really don’t have any kind of inkling,” he said. “There’s just really no thought. It is what it is. I would love to be here. If it’s in God’s will for me to be here, I will be here. If not, I’m pretty sure that with 31 other teams, I’ll be somewhere.”

THE RAVENS SIGNED BERRY TO THEIR PRACTICE SQUAD.


(baltimoresun.com)

Ravens running back Damien Berry gives a stiff arm to Eagles linebacker Rashad Jeanty in the fourth quarter.

From the latter portion of the Baltimore Ravens’ Tuesday’s session special teams was on the docket and they were practicing kickoff coverage and returns, as well as their squib and onsides kicks. With WR David Reed still not practicing, CB Lardarius Webb, rookie WR Tandon Doss and undrafted free agent rookie RB Damien Berry returned the kicks.


(baltimorebeatdown.com)

The way Damien Berry explains it, the fact that he's wearing No. 23 is purely a coincidence.

Berry is a running back out of the University of Miami. Willis McGahee, who wore No. 23 the last four seasons with the Ravens before being released two weeks ago, is also a running back from "The U".

But Berry, an undrafted rookie, insists that he's not trying to make a statement with his jersey number or assume McGahee's role in the Ravens' locker room.

"I mean, it was a total surprise. I came in and they had No. 23 in my locker," Berry said. "I'm proud to wear it. I'm definitely going to represent for Willis and try to build on what he left here."

Berry knows it's too soon for him to talk about replacing the production that McGahee - a Pro Bowler in 2007 - brought to the offense, but he would love to take on some of the former Raven's responsibilities.

With McGahee's release and subsequent signing with the Broncos and fullback Le'Ron McClain joining the Chiefs via free agency, the Ravens have a need for a backup running back, someone who can come in on third downs and take the load off of Ray Rice.

Berry has been working with the second-team offense so far in camp, and has shown an impressive burst and the ability to keep his legs moving after first contact. Berry might be behind veterans like Jalen Parmele and Matt Lawrence on the depth chart at this point, but he hopes to make a name for himself as training camp goes on.

"I have a great opportunity ahead of me," Berry said. "Getting a lot of reps. Just trying to do what I can. Stay after (practice), catch punts, do whatever I can to make this team. Then, once I'm on the team, I want to contribute to the team."

Running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery says that Berry, a second-team All-ACC performer last year after rushing for 899 yards and five touchdowns on 190 carries, doesn't lack in the confidence department. The Miami product has run hard so far in camp, and while his touches have been somewhat limited early on, Montgomery likes what he's seen out of the undrafted rookie.

"Damien, you know, he has to come in and earn his spot," Montgomery said. "Damien is a tough kid, hard-nosed kid, and that's the way he was in college. And so far, he has shown some of that toughness here, so I'm looking forward to what he really can do once we start going at it."

Berry isn't just in a battle with Parmele and Lawrence for playing time, he's also got Anthony Allen, a seventh-round pick out of Georgia Tech, and fellow undrafted free agent Walter Sanders to compete with.

While there's a constant battle for jobs at play, the dynamic among the young running backs seems to be a strong one, with the rookies pushing each other and picking the brains of the older guys throughout practice.

"I think we're a talented group that came in - myself, Walter, Ant," Berry said. "Ant is doing a great job stepping up. He's even helping me out, learning the offense, learning the plays. Ray's a great leader. He's also helping us learn the plays.

"Hopefully we will step up. Not hopefully - we will step up. Both of us ACC guys, we came out of big programs, and we know what it takes to try and get the job done."


(masnsports.com)

Rookie running back Damien Berry didn't help himself with a case of the fumbles during a full-team red-zone exercise. On back-to-back plays, Berry put the ball on the turf. The first time, defensive tackle Arthur Jones stripped Berry, but he recovered the ball. On the ensuing play, Berry lost the ball, which was recovered by fullback Jason McKie. But outside linebackers coach Ted Monachino, who served as head official, ruled that the ground had caused the fumble.


(baltimoresun.com)

(baltimoresun.com)

proCanes.com asked Damien Berry over twitter yesterday what number he thought he would wear considering his college number, 20, is worn by proCane Ed Reed, and chances are he will not be giving that number up. Berry replied to us by saying: “i would rock the TWO THREE wit pride.” Let’s see if Berry does get 23.

The Baltimore Ravens will be releasing one proCane once free agency starts on Thursday but they will be picking up one of the newest proCanes to potentially replace him. Willis McGahee will reportedly be released by the Ravens, while undrafted free agent rookie Damien Berry looks to be signing with the Ravens. Berry will back-up Ray Rice and give the Ravens a goalline threat at RB since both McGahee and LaRon Mclain look to be released. Congrats to Damien!

On Saturday proCanes.com had the opportunity to atttend the Annual Hurricane Football Reunion Party at Miami Prime Grill in North Miami. The event was attended by over 100 former Hurricane greats including the likes of Ed Reed, Andre Johnson, Reggie Wayne, Michael Irvin and many more.

Gerard Daphnis of Canes4Life organized the event which also honored the 2001 National Championship team. Over 300 former players were in attendance at the 2011 Spring Game where the University of Miami which was held at Lockhart Stadium before the party. Click here to view our full photo gallery of over 500 pictures from the Hurricane Reunion Party and Spring Game. Enjoy!









Click here to view our full photo gallery of over 500 pictures from the Hurricane Reunion Party and Spring Game. Enjoy!

The Miami Hurricanes have five players among NFLDraftScout.com's Top 100 in the 2011 draft, but the school's pro day was cut short by showers and lightning and will be concluded March 25.

Wide receiver Leonard Hankerson, defensive lineman Allen Bailey and linebacker Colin McCarthy did not plan to participate in athletic testing after strong showings at the NFL Scouting Combine, but weren't able to do positional drills in front of personnel men scheduled to be on hand from 29 NFL teams that included coaches Bill Belichick (Patriots), Jack Del Rio (Jaguars), Raheem Morris (Bucs) and Mike Tomlin (Steelers).

Before the weather brought a halt to the session, running back Damien Berry helped his effort to sneak into the late rounds by running a 4.45-second 40-yard dash after posting a best time of 4.58 seconds at the combine. Fellow running back Graig Cooper equaled his 4.6 from Indianapolis. Cornerback DeMarcus Van Dyke, who posted a combine-best 4.25, stood on that number and did not run.

Cornerback Brandon Harris, who is trying to stick his name in for first-round consideration, posted a disappointing 34½-inch vertical while trying to improve on his 35½ at the combine. He's the No. 4-rated cornerback by NFLDraftScout.com and projected as a late-first- or early second-round prospect, but better athletic testing had been expected from the 5-foot-10, 191-pounder.



(cbssports.com)

Among the nine UM players at the NFL combine last week, the most noise was made by Leonard Hankerson and DeMarcus Van Dyke.

Hankerson greatly improved his stock by running a faster-than-expected 4.43 seconds in the 40-yard dash while Van Dyke made national headlines by clocking the third-fastest 40-time (4.28) at the combine since 2000.

Damien Berry, the Hurricanes’ leading rusher last season, also helped his value by showing overall athleticism with solid showings in the 20-yard shuttle and the broad jump. Berry was timed in 4.12 seconds in the 20-yard shuttle (fifth among running backs) and his 10-foot broad jump was tied for sixth best in his position group. The dread-locked 5-foot-11, 212-pound Berry also reports that he didn’t drop a pass during drills.

Asked what he proved in Indianapolis, Berry responded: “That they can’t put me in a shell, that I’m just a power back who can only do certain things. I think I proved that I’m very athletic, very shifty, that I can move side to side.”

Berry has been working on getting himself ready for the NFL Draft since finishing his collegiate career on New Year’s Eve in the Sun Bowl. He played in the NFLPA-sponsored Texas vs. The Nation game and scored on a 72-yard touchdown run.

The Belle Glade native then moved to Nashville, Tenn., for a couple of months to train for the NFL combine.

“I wanted to get away,” said Berry, who worked out at D1 Sports Training in Nashville. “I’ve been around Miami all my life. I wanted to get myself ready for what was coming up the next few weeks so I thought it was best for me to move up there and get focused.”

Berry will get a chance to increase his stock further on Thursday at UM Pro Day. He ran 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine and is contemplating running the distance again for scouts.

“I know I can run faster than what I showed up there,” said Berry, who gained 899 rushing yards in 2010 for UM including four consecutive games in which he topped 100 yards. “I’m looking forward to proving myself because I didn’t think I did that up at Indy that well. I just want to show the world that I’m a superb athlete.”

Russ Lande, a former Cleveland Browns scout who now analyzes the draft for The Sporting News, said that Berry has an outside chance of being selected in the third round, but is more likely to be taken in the fourth or fifth rounds.

“You have to realize what you’re going to get with a guy like him,” Lande said. “He’s not going to be a starting tailback. He’s not that powerful kid that’s going to break tackles and he doesn’t have that explosiveness to run away from guys….but if he can pass block effectively, he will make his living in the NFL as a third-down back. He’s an athletic kid, he has very quick feet, he’s got good hands catching the ball out off the backfield and he’s a good runner in open space. There’s a lot to like about the kid.”



(palmebeachpost.com)

Twan Ruseell, Gaby Sanchez and future proCanes Colin McCarthy, Damien Berry, Demarcus Van Dyke and Graig Cooper were guests on WQAM this past week. Click here to listen to the interviews.




(wqam.com)