Former BG standout quarterback Josh Harris has officially begun his transformation into a tougher bird–from a Falcon to a Raven.

Last season, Harris led the Falcons to their first ever MAC-West title and was named MVP of the Motor City Bowl after defeating Northwestern, which earned the Falcons a season ending rank of No. 23 in the nation.

Now Harris is a member of the Baltimore Ravens, after they selected him in the sixth round of the 2004 NFL Draft. In July, he signed a three-year $982,000 contract with the Ravens.

Harris said the transition from college to pro has been a big adjustment.

“When you got Ray Lewis in the locker room and Deion Sanders, if you’re not careful you can get caught up,” Harris said. “Having to get over the fact that I’m a kid with those celebrities has been different.”

Being in a locker room full of veteran players has allowed Harris to get a deeper understanding about football and learn what other players have experienced.

“I spend some extra time in the locker room just being around the guys talking football or NFL life and trying to soak in things from different guys,” Harris said.

Ravens quarterback coach David Shaw said Harris has handled the transition well so far.

“He’s a young quarterback with a lot to learn, but he’s got a lot of energy and works hard in every practice,” Shaw said. “He’s smart, accurate, mobile and tough; those are all things that you’re looking for.”

Choosing youth over experience, Harris survived the Ravens final roster cut at the end of training camp, after veteran fullback and special teams star Harold Morrow was released. But four days later, Morrow was re-signed and the Ravens opted to release Harris and sign him to the team’s practice squad. Harris said it’s tough not being able to play, but he’s glad to just be apart of the Ravens.

“It’s just something that I have to go through right now,” Harris said. “I wouldn’t prefer it but it’s not like I would have turned it down.”

Shaw said it’s been difficult for Harris this season since he is stuck behind some experienced players at his position.

“(Harris) is backing up two veteran quarterbacks: Kyle Boller in his second year and Kordell Stewart who’s played 10 years,” Shaw said. “It’s tough for a young quarterback to come in and even have a chance to compete with those guys.”

Yet, if one of the Ravens quarterbacks gets injured, Harris will immediately be activated. Harris said he’ll be ready when that opportunity comes.

“I always have to stay prepared,” Harris said. “By no means do I have a year off.”

However, Harris did get some playing time during the preseason. He played in all four exhibition games for Baltimore and completed 15 of 31 passes for 130 yards. During the Ravens victory against the New York Giants, Harris played the entire second half connecting on 11 of 15 passes for 88 yards.

Shaw said he was pleased with the way Harris played throughout training camp and said he has adjusted well to a new system which is tough to do in the NFL.

“When you’ve been in one system for along time it’s hard to switch your mental gears and learn a new system,” Shaw said. “On top of that, he’s doing it against one of the best defenses in the league.”

Shaw said Harris continues to improve and is now a more polished player than he was in training camp.

“It’s night and day,” Shaw said. “He’s a lot more comfortable and he understands better what we’re doing. Early on it’s hard because you give him a playbook, pat him on the back and say ‘ok go get ’em’ and there’s so many things going through his head.”

BG head coach Gregg Brandon said it might take some time for Harris to succeed in the NFL, but expects him to in the near future.

“At the quarterback position unless you’re just a head and shoulders above everybody else, it’s gonna take a few years to break in at that level,” Brandon said. “But I think once he dissects the playbook and defenses and gets a better feel for coverage and all that, he’s got a chance to be an outstanding quarterback in the NFL.”

Harris said one of the biggest differences from college to pro is getting over the intimidation factor.

“Certain players in the NFL are very intimidating,” Harris said. “But you have to give yourself some credit and realize that you’re here for a reason. I’m in the NFL and I did something to get here; now I just need to continue to improve.”