Ravenell impresses in NFL debut
By Jacob Meikel
Former Missouri Western defensive end C.J. Ravenell made his pro debut for the Baltimore Ravens on Friday.
The former Griffon impressed in the preseason opener for the Ravens, tallying two total tackles including one solo tackle, 0.5 sacks and a quarterback hit.
Ravenell signed a contract with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent on May 7 after a successful rookie minicamp with the team in the days prior. Ravenell said on the day after his signing with the AFC North power, “it’s been a journey for sure.”
“It’s been a lot of work, a lot of dedication, gotta stay consistent,” Ravenell said on May 8. “Since football season had ended, I just wanted to get bigger, faster, stronger.”
The California native was an All-MIAA second team selection in his final year at Western. His signature moment from his senior season came on a fumble recovery off of a Dakari Streeter strip sack that sealed the win for Missouri Western over Pittsburg State on Nov. 4 of last year. The Gorillas were ranked No. 2 in Division II at the time.
Ravenell wasn’t the only former Griff to hit the NFL field on Friday. Trey Vaval, who finished his college career at Minnesota State, made his pro debut with the Atlanta Falcons on Friday by tallying just one solo tackle against Miami. Vaval played for Missouri Western in the 2019 and 2021 seasons before transferring to Minnesota State in 2022.
Two former Griffons hit the field on Saturday. Long-time kicker Greg Zuerlein saw the field for the New York Jets. Zeurlein is in his second season with the Jets, and was 1/1 on field goals in the Jets preseason opener against the Commanders.
Raiders cornerback Sam Webb also hit the field as a Western alum on Saturday against the Minnesota Vikings, where he tallied two solo tackles in the loss.
