[News] Linebacker Daryl Smith Brings Veteran Leadership To OTAs

[RavenManiac#7]

Daryl Smith is a real "trooper." He stepped into a very uncomfortable place to be, the replacement for the position held down for so long by the best there's ever been, Ray Lewis. Not only was Ray the best as a MLB, he was,also, the greatest motivator and team leader the Ravens, and maybe football, has ever had. Not exactly the easiest spot to step into. But, Daryl Smith came in and quietly started building his own "Raven legacy." Of course, because of where he was in his career and the kind of person he is, he knew that he would Never replace the legend of Ray Lewis. Nevertheless, we Ravens fans have been blessed to see another fine and talented MLB put on the purple and black. And, not only that, we have also watched Daryl Smith become a leader on our defense in his own right and in his own way. No, he's not the boisterous, vocal motivator Ray was/is, but he is a leader nonetheless. He is a quieter leader, but he is a hard working player that younger ones look up to. He could very easily have stayed home and waited until he was required to be in camp, but that is not who Daryl Smith is. He is right where he belongs, at a Voluntary OTA, being the best linebacker he can be, and showing the younger players what it takes to make it at this level. He is being a leader in his own way. He is trying to be the best MLB he can be. And he is showing anybody who cares to watch who he is. I think Ozzie found the Ravens the best player he could have found us to play MLB after Ray Lewis said his goodbye. Thanks, Ozzie. And that you, even more, Daryl Smith.