OWINGS MILLS — University of Delaware All-American center Gino Gradkowski visited the Baltimore Ravens and Tennessee Titans this week.
The younger brother of NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski, the 6-foot-2, 300-pounder has upcoming visits with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Indianapolis Colts, Green Bay Packers and the Atlanta Falcons.
The Pittsburgh native has conducted private workouts for the Ravens, Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles.
"It was a great experience, a beautiful facility and everything was first-class with the Ravens," Gradkowski said in a telephone interview. "I really enjoyed talking to their coaches and everyone with the Ravens. Baltimore, that’s just what football is all about. Places like that and Pittsburgh have that great fan base that cares about their team."
A two-time All-Colonial Athletic Association selection who transferred from West Virginia, Gradkowski ran the 40-yard dash in 5.25 seconds at his Pro Day workout and bench pressed 225 pounds 29 times with a 28 1/2 inch vertical leap, an 8-7 broad jump, a 4.78 20-yard shuttle and a 7.75 three-cone drill.
"I definitely take pride in being athletic," Gradkowski said. "I played basketball in high school. That’s where I got my athleticism from. I’m good in space at blocking the secondary guys. I take a lot of pride in my ability to understand offenses and defenses. Mentally-wise, I bring a lot to the table."
"It’s good that I played all three inside positions at Delaware. My versatility, bouncing around the inside, obviously helps. Anybody that goes to the NFL wants to be a starter. That’s my goal. If I need to be that swing man as a backup my first year, that’s fine. I want to compete for a starting job."
Gradkowski said he tries to emulate veteran NFL centers like Ravens six-time Pro Bowl center Matt Birk and Green Bay Packers center Jeff Saturday.
"Hopefully, I wind up on a team with a veteran guy," Gradkowski said. "Baltimore would be a great situation for me. To learn behind Matt Birk would be awesome and be able to pick his brain."
