Ravens QB Cantwell eager to show what he can do

Ravens QB Hunter Cantwell doesn't know when the work stoppage will end, but he knows when it's over, time will be of the essence for him as he tries to make the roster.

"It's going to be instant competition," Cantwell told PFW. "That drives you day in and day out, that you can't take a day off."

The 25-year-old Cantwell, who spent last season on the Ravens' practice squad, is one of two veteran quarterbacks currently under contract to Baltimore. The other, of course, is Joe Flacco, the Ravens' starter. Rookie Tyrod Taylor, a sixth-round pick, is also in the mix.

Marc Bulger, Baltimore's top backup quarterback a season ago, will be an unrestricted free agent once NFL business resumes, and he is expected to draw interest as a starter. No matter Bulger's situation, Cantwell expects the Ravens to have four passers on the roster in camp.

At the end of the season, Cantwell met with offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who said Cantwell would have a chance to compete to make the team. Cantwell is eager to show what he can do when he gets repetitions in a live practice setting.

"I'm excited about that opportunity, and I'm looking forward to it, and that the coaches will like what they see," Cantwell said.

Released by Carolina on Sept. 4, 2010, Cantwell signed with Baltimore two days later. He spent the season running the opponent's offense in scout-team drills, studying the game plan and getting whatever work he could throwing to the Ravens' receivers. Though he didn't get frequent opportunities to work with Baltimore's pass catchers, "A couple throws here and there add up over 18, 19 weeks," he said.  

In the offseason, Cantwell primarily has worked out in Louisville. Two of his workout partners have been the Bills' Brian Brohm and Adam Froman, former University of Louisville quarterbacks like Cantwell. Cantwell also has worked out in Arizona with Flacco and several Ravens pass catchers, including WR Derrick Mason and TE Todd Heap.

Cantwell credits former Ravens QB coach Jim Zorn for helping to quicken his release. The third-year quarterback also has worked to improve his footwork.

He vows to make the most of his chance to make the roster.

"I'm going to go in ready. I'm going to go in sharp," Cantwell said.  

Source: http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/05/15/ravens-qb-cantwell-eager-to-show-what-he-can-do

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