General Manager Eric DeCosta has a special connection with every player he picks, but one will stand out from the group coming to Baltimore this weekend for rookie minicamp.
Julian Young, a linebacker from Colby College, earned a tryout with the Ravens. Colby College is also DeCosta's alma mater, where he also played linebacker.
The two shared a touching moment shortly after the draft ended when DeCosta called Young to share the news of his invite.
"I'm not nervous. I'm ready. I'm telling you, I'm ready," Young said. "Thank you. I'll earn it."
DeCosta said he wants to see Young "shock the world."
There isn't a rich history of NFL players from the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). DeCosta is the conference's most famous alumnus.
Young earned the invite with his play on the field. A four-year starter and team captain, he is a three-time All-NESCAC selection and had 260 tackles over the past three seasons. His 295 career tackles are third-most in school history. Young logged 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season, and he was chosen as the team's defensive player of the year.
The New Jersey native has good size at 6-foot-1, 234 pounds and impressed at his Pro Day at Maine.
"It was just a flood of emotions," Young told CentralMaine.com. "All I wanted was an opportunity from somebody, whether that was the NFL, the CFL or something overseas. … Being a linebacker at Colby, (DeCosta) has been in my shoes and in my position, and I'm forever grateful for him for giving me that opportunity."
Young will be competing with a roster spot with fourth-round rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanon among others. There are also reportedly a pair of two other NESCAC prospects, Middlebury offensive lineman Thomas Perry and Wesleyan/New Hampshire wide receiver Logan Tomlinson.
