Taliaferro injury presents an opportunity for Terrence Magee

If there is one player that has stood out over the first 2 weeks of the pre-season for the Baltimore Ravens, the diminutive Terrence Magee would be it. Weighing in at 5"9 213 lbs, the Ray Rice clone has shown skills as a runner and as a pass receiver. Magee is a former high school quarterback, but he played wide receiver and running back for LSU in college.

With the injury to Lorenzo Taliaferro, a lock to make the roster as a backup to starter Justin Forsett, there is now likely a spot for Magee if he can beat out Fitzgerald Touissaint for the roster spot. Although Touissaint has been with the team longer, Magee looked better this past week. They both have the ability to return kickoffs too, although it has not been reported that Touissaint got any reps as a kick returner, and Magee has.

Against the Eagles this past week, he tallied 11 carries for 44 yards, along with a reception for 14 yards. He also had a touchdown called back on account of a penalty. At LSU, he was part of a committee at RB behind elite college talent like Jeremy Hill and Leonard Fournette, with his best season in 2013 with 626 yards (7.3 yards per carry) and 8 touchdowns.

Magee has the ability to contribute in a variety of ways. He has played wide receiver and running back at the college level, returned some kicks, and played special teams in various roles. He is strong in pass protection and as a pass catcher, making him a candidate to steal some 3rd down reps from Forsett and fellow rookie Javorius Allen.

Although he is thought to have mediocre athleticism, Magee ran in the mid 4.5 range in the 40, has a 37 inch vertical, and benched 225 pounds 22 times. Known as a patient runner, he knows how to let his blocks set up and utilize them well. His ball security is superb, with only 2 fumbles in 253 career touches (.08%). He also gives a consistent second effort to pick up extra yards.

Magee has shown a tireless work ethic, is durable, and a quality locker room presence. He has no problem doing whatever the team needs him to do, and if he make this roster I have a feeling he is going to make it hard for the team to cut him.