Last year, the Ravens’ top draft pick, outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, got off to a disappointing start when he failed a conditioning test in training camp. This year, Upshaw is out of shape again.
Upshaw told Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun that he weighs about 285 pounds, well over last year’s playing weight, and that he hasn’t been able to work out as much as he’d like because he has had personal problems.
“I’ve got to drop a couple pounds and get ready for the season,” Upshaw said. “My offseason has been kind of hectic. I had a personal issue where I had to handle that. Right now, I’m trying to get back into football shape. I was back and forth between Alabama and Baltimore, just real personal issues that I had to handle. Just trying to drop a couple pounds and get ready for the season.”
Despite being in less than stellar shape, Upshaw says he has a positive outlook on the season ahead.
“I’m feeling good,” Upshaw said. “I’ve just got to look good. It’s not really a good look coming in heavy like the first year, but I’ve got to be a pro about everything. I’m trying to improve year in and year out in every aspect, and that’s even with the weight issue.”
Upshaw needs to get in shape and stay in shape to avoid being a rare Ravens draft bust.