The Ravens have performed their due diligence on LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
The Ravens have talked with Mettenberger during the draft process and have also spoken to the LSU coaching staff about him, including former Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, according to a source.
Mettenberger is an interesting draft prospect, a strong-armed quarterback who passed for 3,082 yards, 22 touchdowns and eight interceptions as a senior under Cameron, the LSU offensive coordinator.
Mettenberger has made a speedy recovery since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Arkansas and had an impressive Pro Day workout.
Because of the major knee injury, though, along with a diluted urine specimen at the NFL scouting combine, questions now being raised about the condition of his back, and an alcohol-related sexual battery incident years ago that led to him transferring from Georgia, it's possible that Mettenberger will slide in the draft.
If Mettenberger does drop, the Ravens, who are exploring the possibility of adding a backup quarterback, will have plenty of information on him from Cameron, who has vouched for Mettenberger's ability and character to NFL teams.
Mettenberger's therapist chalked up the diluted urine specimen to increased water consumption recommended by a trainer due to dehydration while the player was rehabbing from the knee injury. A diluted sample can be interpreted as a positive drug test. According to Mettenberger's agent, there were no traces of any illegal substances in Mettenberger's sample.
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Mettenberger's physical therapist, Jason Eliowitz, sent the following letter to NFL doctor Lawrence Brown:
"Dear Dr. Lawrence Brown,
Zachary Mettenberger was under our care from 2/11/14 to 3/10/14 for the rehabilitation of his left knee. During this time, he reported to us that he was experiencing frequent muscle cramping during the day as well as at night while trying to sleep. Because of this, he was advised to drink as much as 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per day, to increase his consumption of foods high in potassium, and to increase his sodium intake. This was recommended as he was performing rehab and training 6 days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., causing dehydration. This high consumption of fluid was necessary to counteract the dehydration from intensive training sessions and to promote a healthy fluid balance while Zachary was healing from his recent ACL reconstruction.
We also recommend that Zachary continues this process throughout his rigorous rehab program to avoid future cramping and possible dehydration. If you should have any specific questions regarding this matter please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Best regards, Jason Eliowitz."
Mettenberger visited the Jacksonville Jaguars and worked out for the Detroit Lions. He had private meetings in Baton Rouge with the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders.
For his career, Mettenberger passed for 5,783 yards, 35 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
awilson@baltsun.com
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