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Daily Caw: The Perseverance of Ravens Rookie Javorius Allen

By Brett Foote

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Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; USC Trojans running back Javorius Allen (37) dives into the endzone as Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive back Byerson Cockrell (28) defends during the third quarter in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Baltimore Ravens news from around the web.  Today we look at the fascinating story of Javorius Allen (even though the reference is not what we like to see), the Ravens are checking items off their offseason to-do list, and Marc Trestman is grateful to be in Baltimore.

Javorius Allen is the new Michael Oher – Ryan Mink, BaltimoreRavens.com

"Allen grew up 20 miles northeast of Tallahassee in the tiny country town of Miccousukee. It was literally a one–stoplight town, except the light blinks so it hardly even counts. What it lacked in refinement, it more than made up for with swamp land, livestock and poverty.“A country town has a lot of sad stories,” Allen said. “A lot of people that were great – better than me – had potential to do big things. But they were just hanging around the wrong people.”Allen can name at least 25 such young men from his childhood. He was determined not to add his name to the list. “I never wanted to see myself as one of the people sitting on the corner or walking around not knowing where your day’s going,” he said."

Marc Trestman “unbelievably” grateful to be in this position – Sarah Ellison, BaltimoreRavens.com

"“I’m an unbelievably appreciative guy,” Trestman said during mandatory minicamp.“I told that to the quarterbacks when we left every day. Before I walk in this place, I just say, ‘Thank you.’ I’m just so appreciative to be here, be a part of this organization and, certainly, to walk in a meeting room with Joe every day.”Flacco and Trestman hit it off immediately. After all, they have very similar personalities.Harbaugh once described both men as very smart, very detail-oriented and direct in their communication. They’re also both flexible and open to discovering what works best for the team, listening to the other’s ideas."

Sam Koch’s extension crosses off one more item on Ravens’ to do list – Jeff Zrebiec, The Baltimore Sun

"The motivation of the move wasn’t to open up salary cap space this year, but to lock up a well-respected player whose contract was due to expire after the 2015-16 season. Koch is the second pending 2016 free agent to come to an agreement on a long-term deal this offseason, after cornerback Jimmy Smith agreed to a five-year, $48 million contract in late April.While securing Smith and Koch beyond the upcoming season are important first steps, the Ravens’ front office still will have significant work to do next offseason. The most prominent storyline likely will be the team’s efforts to restructure the contract of quarterback Joe Flacco, whose current deal carries a $28.55 million salary cap hit next year."

Next: Will injured Ravens be ready for regular season?

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