Making most of 2nd chance

Undrafted Onwuasor follows in impressive linebacker footsteps

On the pivotal defensive play of the Ravens’ victory over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, weak-side linebacker Patrick Onwuasor knocked the ball out of the hands of tight end Jared Cook and cornerback Jimmy Smith scooped it and coasted untouched into the end zone.

As a host of Ravens players celebrated in the end zone, Onwuasor turned to the visiting sideline and took a bow.

Ravens fans have heard this story before — an undrafted free- agent inside linebacker impresses team officials in training camp, becomes a core specialteamer and ultimately earns a starting spot on defense. Bart Scott, Jameel McClain, Dannell Ellerbe, Albert McClellan and Zachary Orr all did it.

Onwuasor (pronounced oh-WAH-so) is following in their footsteps, but he has quite a story of his own. It nearly didn’t include football.

After his freshman season at the Uni- Sunday, 1 p.m. TV: Ch. 45 Radio: 97.9 FM, 1090 AM Line: Ravens by 6