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Ravens' coach praises offseason improvement of former UNC star receiver
In one year at North Carolina, under Mack Brown, Devontez Walker totaled 41 receptions for 699 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games after fighting a transfer issue with the NCAA. After making his way to the NFL and being drafted by the Baltimore Ravens, Walker struggled to see the field at all.
Through his second offseason in the league, Walker not only has himself surprised and feeling back to his college-day speed, but the team's head coach is taking notice of the revamped wide receiver as well.
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According to Ryan Mink, the editorial director of the Baltimore Ravens, Harbaugh had this to say about Walker:
"Every day, all he does is show up and go 100 miles an hour. He's got a chance to be really good."
Walker himself has been surprised with some of the improvements he has seen. The turn for him started with a touchdown last season. Walker had this to say about that play:
I think that touchdown meant a lot, especially to the staff. You know, drafting a guy you believe in and finally get out there and showcase it. I think it kind of turned heads a little bit. It was a real big deal for me."
Walker continued in his statement post training camp to talk about those improvements:
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"Last year, early on, I felt like I wasn't able to play as fast. You know, I'm wondering what to do. I'm thinking so much, trying to do everything right, perfect everything. I wasn't able to go out there and run full speed. This year, I'm able to get lined up and go out there and play as fast as possible. I feel really confident. I know what we're trying to get done in this offense, and I'm able to go out there and play full speed."
In his rookie season with the Ravens, Walker appeared in nine games. He ended up grabbing one of three targets for the previously mentioned 21-yard touchdown. Despite Baltimore still having Zay Flowers and Rashad Bateman and adding DeAndre Hopkins, Walker will still try to carve out a role where he can shine.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: John Harbaugh 'impressed' by Devontez Walker's offseason progress
