Right Off Russell

The Sun ran a piece on how impressive Michael Oher has looked in the first two mini-camps.  I have to admit, in the light of Willie Anderson’s retirement, it certainly is good to hear that Oher is acclimating himself well.  Actually, in my head I drool over Oher and Jared Gaither as a tackle tandem.  Let’s hope they both stay healthy and Ravens for many years to come.

Besides his physical gifts Oher is also grasping things from a mental perspective enabling him to make quick adjustments, which is very important for a rookie who hopes to start from day one:

On Monday, linebacker Jarret Johnson had his way with Oher, taking advantage when the lineman overextended his arms. One day later, Oher still delivered a strong punch, but he kept his weight back so rushers couldn’t beat him around the edge.

“You can’t coach that,” Johnson said. “All you have to do is slow him down and he can do anything.”

Oher has also impressed many with his dedication to learning during his off time:

Before the first mini-camp, he talked with coaches about the playbook. Oher said he still stays up late at night to study it.

“He’s probably one of the first rookies I’ve seen in a while that came in and for the most part knew the [playbook] ahead of time,” offensive coordinator Cam Cameron said. “He got ahead of the game, and I think he’s going to try to stay ahead of the game.”

It is just mini-camp, but you have to be  impressed with Oher.  Can he keep showing well and adjusting come training camp and ultimately once the regular season starts?  The Ravens may be counting on it.

Another rookie who has been impressive so far is Cedric Peerman.   Even though he is a UVA guy, I already am rooting for him to stick with the Ravens.  I like hard working attitude and the character he brings.  Peerman’s 4.3 speed is also nice to have in the backfield or on special teams.  He may not get a lot of looks as a tailback in 2009, but if McGahee is gone after the season a lot of carries will open up.

I also like that Peerman has stayed humble and down-to-earth:

He grew up on a tobacco farm in Gladys, Va., plowing fields, planting crops and lugging hernia-inducing piles of tobacco.

He’s an ordained minister whose mission in life is to spread the Word and help the less fortunate.

And here’s the one that really galls: instead of rolling up to practice in the usual tricked-out Escalade or show-room shiny Benz, he’s driving a ‘96 Ford Contour.

Who wants to start up the Cedric Peerman car fund?

Todd Heap is also still banged up.  He is not quite over the back injury he suffered in January.  Heap and nagging injuries are a common theme for the player and club.  Heap does expect to return to full participation soon.  I just hope he can stay healthy enough to fully participate all year long.

“He’s not as far along as we all thought he would be — and he thought he would be — so we’re just trying to work through it,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Tuesday, the second day of passing camp.

Is it just me or do I sense that Harbaugh is tired of singing the same song about Heap?