There have been many surprises this season for the Baltimore Ravens, Pernell McPhee, Paul Kruger, Cary Williams even the high level of play from Lardarius Webb. However, for me, the biggest surprise has been the play of third year journeyman Danny Gorrer.
I remember watching the Ravens beating up on the New York Jets on Monday Night Football and thinking "Man, you would think Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes would be making some plays on our young corners." From then on I payed close attention to Holmes on every play.That's when I noticed number 36. On every play for a good while there was number 36 blanketing Holmes, running with him step for step. I remember thinking "36? Gorrer? Who the Hell is this guy?" Now to find out from Filmstudy* that in the ten times he has been targeted this season there has only been two completions made... for 12 yards... with four passes defended! He has defended more passes than he has had completed on his assignment! That is some strong play at the NFL level.
So I figured I'd find out about this kid and share it with my fellow Beatdowners!
Danny Gorrer is a third year pro out of Texas A&M. He starred at Memorial High School in Port Arthur Texas where he made the Associated Press All-State second team as a corner back. Gorrer logged 68 tackles nine interceptions and two touch downs as a senior.
From there Danny went on to play at Texas A&M where he red-shirted as a freshman and had his best season as a sophomore. In Gorrers' sophomore year he started all 13 games, logged 52 tackles and an interception. He then injured his knee as a junior and played sparingly. As a collegiate athlete Danny Gorrer finished his career having started 24 of 42 games with 141 tackles two sacks, one interception, 13 passes defended and two forced fumbles.
Danny Gorrer was signed as an undrafted free agent by the New Orleans Saints in 2009, only to be released shortly there after and claimed by the St. Louis Rams. Gorrer started one game for the Rams, recorded five tackles and was again released. In 2010 he was again claimed by the Saints and promptly released. Then on September 23rd of 2010 he was signed to the Baltimore Ravens practice squad! Then... He was released on October 7th. Only this time he was directly re-signed on October 8th by the very same Baltimore Ravens! Finally on September 17th of 2011 Gorrer was put on the active roster for your Baltimore Ravens! The rest, as they say, is history!
Gorrer has a bright future if he can stick with Baltimore and develop with the rest of their young secondary. I am glad so many teams passed on him and a genius like Ozzie Newsome was there to snatch him up for next to nothing. Good luck Danny! I hope you stick around for a while!