OWINGS MILLS — The Baltimore Ravens have scheduled University of Maine defensive end/outside linebacker Jovan Belcher for a visit.
In a telephone interview, Belcher said he’s set to visit the Ravens on April 13 and the Cincinnati Bengals on April 15.
He’s currently projected as a late-round draft pick or a priority undrafted free agent.
"I love to rush the passer and I love to run around on special teams," Belcher said. "Special teams are a piece of the game that a lot of people don’t feel is that important, but it can change the course of the game."
The 6-foot-2, 235-pound four-year starter was named Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year last season when he recorded 93 tackles and 7 1/2 sacks. As a junior, Belcher had 85 tackles and 10 sacks.
For his career, he has 293 tackles, 44 tackles for losses and 18 sacks.
An all-conference and All-American selection from Long Island, N.Y., Belcher bench pressed 225 pounds 19 times and posted a 30-inch vertical leap and a 9-6 broad jump at the Hofstra Pro Day workout. His best 40-yard dash time is 4.75 seconds.
Belcher was a high school wrestler who weighed 195 pounds when he enrolled at Maine, where he graduated in 3 1/2 years with a major in child development.
Retired former Ravens starting center Mike Flynn is a Maine football alum as is safety and special-teams player Daren Stone, who played for Baltimore last season.
"I’ve had the opportunity to meet Mike Flynn and I’ve heard a lot about his success and work ethic," Belcher said. "I look forward to following the successful guys from Maine into the NFL. I try to pattern my game after James Harrison from the Steelers. He’s a beast."
NOTES: The Ravens released a statement about the recent re-signings of veteran cornerback Samari Rolle, who received a four-year, $10 million contract, and reserve quarterback Todd Bouman. “Samari is a proven, quality veteran corner,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement. “Even more than that, he is a quality person. We upgraded our football team." … Bouman signed a one-year contract. "There was no question that we were hoping to bring Todd back all along," Harbaugh said. "He is a veteran player who brings leadership and experience to our team, and he also does a great job of helping mentor our two quarterbacks."
Aaron Wilson covers the Baltimore Ravens for the Carroll County Times and the Annapolis Capital.
