In the Ravens' first two weeks of training camp, no player showed flashes more often than Justin Harper, the second-year wide receiver who almost routinely got behind the secondary to make long catches.
But will Harper flash or fade when he takes the next step in Thursday's preseason opener against the Washington Redskins?
That's one of the intriguing questions the Ravens are seeking to answer in August: whether Harper, a seventh-round draft pick who spent the season on injured reserve a year ago, can become a dependable and productive receiver.
He says he's ready to make the transition. The Ravens, in need of depth at the position, can only hope.
"Harper will be a player," offensive coordinator Cam Cameron promised. "I can't tell you when. Some days are better than others. He can do what we need, but he hasn't proven he can do it consistently."
At 6 feet 3 and a cut 215 pounds, Harper is a coach's dream. He is fast enough to stretch the field, big enough to win jump balls. This summer, he also has the mental approach to go with his physical gifts.
That's what he lacked a year ago, when he flashed, then faded. The difference this year, Harper said, is what he learned from veteran wide-out Mark Clayton.
"Mark kind of took me under his wing, took me on a different walk, a spiritual walk, and it helped me more mentally than anything," Harper said. "I understand that I am a football player, and I have to understand that is the easy part. It's the mental part that comes along with being an NFL player that I needed, and he really helped me with that."
Ironically, it was Clayton's hamstring tear nine days ago that opened the door for Harper, 24, and other young receivers like Marcus Smith and Ernie Wheelwright. Clayton's absence gave Harper more chances to impress with the first unit.
Depending on the availability of Demetrius Williams, Harper could start Thursday as the No. 2 or 3 receiver. Clearly, the Ravens expect to see more of the play-making ability he has shown early in camp.
"We've always seen flashes from Justin," said Eric DeCosta, director of player personnel. "Now we're looking to see the flashes become more the norm. That's his challenge. He knows that, he understands that. If he's able to become a consistent player for us, he becomes a guy who can help us."
Receivers coach Jim Hostler said the biggest difference in Harper this summer is his mind-set. That has shown up in the number of plays Harper has made down the field already.
