With an arsenal of former Virginia Tech standouts, including the reunion of the Fuller and Edmunds brothers all on the same team,and a solid squad of go-getters from across the nation - The Baltimore Ravens and Head Coach/ VT Legend Frank Beamer were poised to have at least a fun year if not one full of surprise wins and a true underdog mentality. The year was definitely tough, with the Ravens finishing 2-14, however there were many bright spots that came with it including taking league rival Cincinnati to two epic games including a victory and a close OT loss. There was a last second field goal to win it against the Eagles, where Joey Slye relived some of the old VT walk-on magic that got him to the NFL. Tyrod Taylor was at the helm for a majority of the year, servicing as the team captain and role model for younger players to look up to - even mentoring QB Logan Thomas who decided to switch back to his roots as QB and try to fill in when necessary. The Ravens have a tough, tough RB in Josh Jacobs who is poised to step into the top echelon of RBs in the league over the next few years and the defense is shaping up to be anchored by the Edmunds and Fullers for years to come, bringing the smash mouth, lunch pail defense attitude to Baltimore. Stephon Gilmore snatched 8 interceptions for the year, but appears to be disgruntled by the teams lack of interest in South Carolina products, so perhaps a change of scenery may be coming for the standout, top CB. The offensive line was led by rookie Mekhi Becton who towered over most defending players, hoping to develop into the premier LT of the game over the next few season. Last Chance U star Dakota Allen was another bright spot for the team, recording an epic pick six in the season - and a chance for which he is very grateful for to be starting in the NFL. All in all however - the AFC North and out of division schedule proved to be a lot to handle for the Ravens and with the season’s disappointing record, the Ravens secured the 2nd overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft - where they are likely to select a successor to Tyrod as he coasts into the sunset of his career. Whomever is selected is sure to be in store for an exciting next season, where the team’s mantra is to continue going “1-0” each week striving to make it a lasting effect on each of its players and fans. Let’s Go!

It was a tough season for the Ravens and Head Coach Frank Beamer, who made a shocking yet impactful decision to come out of retirement and return to coaching - this time in the NFL. Back at his introductory press conference, Beamer stated “I enjoy being out of the limelight and taking everything in these past few years since retiring from VT, but I have a passion for the game and want to continue to help the game progress in the NFL.” It was a bright moment for Virginia Tech’s most cherished football mind and coach - but one that most saw as a definite challenge at least for the immediate impact. The majority was right and it indeed was tough with some ups and many struggles, as the Ravens finished with a 2-14 record, with the only bright spot of landing a Top 5 draft pick this upcoming draft. There were flashes of excellence through the year such as the reliability of X-Factor Deandre Hopkins each week and Hunter Henry’s emergence as a go-to guy for the traveling former VT great Tyrod Taylor and some young guys on defense stepping up, such as Allen and Nwosu. However, there were many hard times of getting acclimated back to the game for both the coaching staff and some of the players in their uptick to full-time status - with injuries to key contributors Todd Gurley and Budda Baker the second half of the season as well, the outlook remained bleak. During the season, Baltimore did strike a deal that could help change some of the foundation of the team, shipping stud WR Allen Robinson away to the Jaguars in return for a 1st round draft pick and Terrell Edmunds, who was welcomed with open arms to the growing Virginia Tech brotherhood on the team. With now two of the top 5 draft picks in the upcoming draft, the Ravens hope to get some young talent that can continue to rebuild the team next year to make a steady climb of improvement. While expectations will still be limited with the adjustment of coming back to the game after so many years away for Coach Beamer and the team, there is definitely a good attitude in the locker room and a willingness to have fun and learn each and every time out on the field, while striving to be a class act organization of the league as a whole. Coach Beamer ended his last press conference of the year with a great quote, “Football is a lot like life, and you’re going to have disappointments. The issue is how you come back from them.”