Trace McSorley, punt-returner? It could happen in Baltimore this season.
Penn State’s winningest quarterback has spent time at the Ravens’ offseason workouts catching punts with the special teams. In an interview on the Ravens’ website, McSorley said he has had some “ups and downs” but wants to make an impact at the position.
“It’s something that’s a new challenge, something I’ve never really done,” McSorley said on the Ravens’ podcast The Lounge. “It’s something interesting to come in and be able to learn and try to prove myself in a different way.”
The Ravens drafted McSorley in the sixth round of the April draft with an eye toward expanding his role beyond quarterback. As Ravens coach John Harbaugh said at the draft, “I told him six weeks ago, ‘You’re going to be a quarterback.’ That’s where it begins. But it shouldn’t be limited to that.”
McSorley said he has not returned punts in his career, though his skills lend themselves to the position. Even the Ravens have made comparisons between McSorley and Taysom Hill, the New Orleans Saints quarterback who returns kicks and plays multiple positions.
In April, Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta called McSorley a “sleeper pick,” adding that the quarterback “really does fit what we’re trying to accomplish on offense.”
McSorley wants to be known as a quarterback first. But he also wants to get onto the field.
“I’m looking forward to doing anything I can, especially in the special teams aspect,” McSorley said. “I want to prove myself there.”
