Recent Article from the Carroll County Times

RAVENS: O-lineman Hale vying for playing time

• Posted: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 12:14 am

By Barry L. Silverman, Times Staff Writer | 0 comments

Heading into his third season with the Baltimore Ravens, offensive lineman David Hale is trying to step out of the anonymity of playing special teams.

A 2008 fourth-round draft choice out of Weber State, Hale has played mainly on special teams units, with his only offensive line experience coming in exhibition games or late mop-up duty.

This year, he’s looking to gain the trust of his coaches and be called upon should one of the starters goes down. Hale recently missed some training camp time with a back injury but returned to practice Monday.

“It’s a super important year for me,” Hale said. “The learning curve is over. Now is the time to show the coaches they can trust me.”

He said he believes this game is all about trust, and the coaches have to believe they can him in at any time without a drop-off in performance.

“If they have doubts, you won’t go in,” he said.

Up until now, Hale has tried to gain that trust by working hard, especially during the offseason and definitely at training camp.

“This is the time to learn and keep improving,” he said. “Just trying to get through training camp is not enough. If you do that you won’t change anybody’s mind.”

At 6-foot, 6-inches and 315 pounds, Hale gives the offensive line much-needed depth and versatility by playing center and guard.

“That’s something that our coaches expect,” Hale said. “We have to know every position just in case.”

And with veteran starting center Matt Birk just returning from the physically unable to perform list because of an elbow problem, Hale showed his versatility by stepping in to help anchor the offensive line during the early days of camp.

“With Matt being out I’ve been getting plenty of reps,” Hale said. “Hopefully, I’ve been able to show the coaches they can count on me.”

Hale said he believes his hard work is paying off and he has grown a lot since his rookie season.

“The first year you’re kind of mentally lost,” Hale said. “It takes a few years to adjust to the game at this level. Now I know what to expect and how to prepare.”

Hale said he knows injuries to starters can happen at a moment’s notice, so even though he is not a starter he has to be ready.

“It’s all a matter of attitude,” said Hale. “You have to keep working hard mentally and physically the same way no matter what. That’s how you gain the coaches trust.”

And with trust comes playing time