Dreams can come true. It happened to Baltimore Ravens top draft pick Courtney Upshaw. First he was drafted by the team in April and last week he met Ravens veteran linebacker Ray Lewis during mandatory minicamp.

He was all struck when he met Lewis. “At first it was like, ‘Wow, this is Ray Lewis,’” said Upshaw.

So far, Upshaw is the favorite to win one of two positions; the strong side or rush linebacker. He would replace injured linebacker, Terrell Suggs, who will miss most of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in May. His return date has yet to be determined.

The Ravens drafted Upshaw before Suggs’ injury, now he is likely to start this season. While Suggs wasn’t able to participate in the team practice, he attended all practice meetings and watched film on Upshaw.

Lewis and Suggs were impressed with what they saw of Upshaw.

“I just love his motor,” Lewis said. “He’s a kid that just loves football.” said Lewis.

And Suggs said, “He’s ahead of where I was when I came in my rookie year.”

After practicing alongside Lewis, Upshaw is over the “wow factor” and has faced the reality that Lewis is his teammate.

I like what I’m hearing about Upshaw. The coaches and players are very impressed by him and they are optimistic about his future with the team.  I hope that he follows in Suggs’ footsteps and steps up to the challenge of becoming an elite Ravens linebacker. The future is in his hands and right now it looks bright.

Good luck Upshaw! I’m excited to see you on the field; I will be pulling for you.