Ravens coach on QB Diego Pavia: ‘Show us what you can do’

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — as Baltimore Ravens Wrapping up their rookie minicamp on Sunday, coach Jesse Minter was noncommittal about the decorated Vanderbilt quarterback. Diego PaviaIt’s time to seize his opportunity.

Pavia signed with the Ravens this week after becoming the first Heisman Trophy finalist in 12 years. He currently competes with Connecticut Joe Fagnano Baltimore’s No. 3 quarterback is up for the job, though the Ravens may look at more quarterbacks this offseason.

“So now he’s in the door and it’s like, ‘Show us what you can do,'” Minter said Saturday. “And just like all unsuspecting rookies, that’s what I’ll say.”

“For us, we see this as an opportunity to bring in a player that can potentially be something, and that’s really what we’re all about,” Minter added.

Pavia, who was not made available for an interview, has become one of the most polarizing figures in college football. Throughout the predraft process, there were questions about Pavia’s age (24), lack of height (5-foot-10) and off-field decision-making.

The runner-up finish is the Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza In December, Pavia posted a photo on Instagram with the caption “F- all voters” along with a thumbs-down emoji. He later apologized.

Minter learned more about Pavia after talking to people in Vanderbilt’s program, where Minter was defensive coordinator in 2021. One of Minter’s close friends is Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea.

“(Pavia) has some experiences that are learning experiences that he can learn from and get better at. I don’t think anyone would dispute that,” Minter said. “But when you talk to the people inside that building (at Vanderbilt) and what he’s about as a player, he’s showing up early every day and working really hard.”

After throwing 29 touchdown passes and running for 10 more, Pavia was named first-team All-America and SEC Offensive Player of the Year and won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as the best upperclassman quarterback in college football.

“He’s a guy who plays with a chip on his shoulder,” the Ravens rookie running back said Adam Randallwho also played with Pavia in the Senior Bowl. “He has a great energy and attitude. He’s a competitor.”

Minter said the number of quarterbacks the Ravens will carry this offseason is “in flux.” It could range from three to five quarterbacks. Minter did not rule out looking at the veteran free agent quarterback or one or two other rookies.

“We’ll look at it coming out of (rookie minicamp),” Minter said. “I think it’s a room where you’re always trying to find that perfect number, and we’ll continue to do that.”