Travis “TJ” Carrie gets his shot to start for the Oakland Raiders
May 27, 2014; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback T.J. Carrie (38) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
With D.J. Hayden and Keith McGill to miss significant practice and playing time for the Oakland Raiders, the “Next Man Up” philosophy will benefit younger players as they try to make their first NFL roster. One such player, T.J. Carrie, will see a significant boost in his chance to impress the coaches.
The Concord, CA, native gets his chance to continue to prove his worth to Head Coach Dennis Allen, just like he did during rookie Mini-Camp and OTA’s. Drafted in the 7th Round by the Oakland Raiders, Carrie hails from Ohio University. At 6′ 0″ and 206 pounds, Carrie represents the type of defensive back the new NFL has been leaning toward (e.g., Richard Sherman).
Carrie, along with Chimdi Checkwa, should see a good deal of playing time in Pre-Season games. Carrie is a good-sized athlete with length and a stout build for the position. He is speedy, and he can hang tough with receivers at all levels of the field, competing well when the ball is in the air. He is heady and alert and fills in well with run support.
Initially, Carrie my be called upon to do a lot of Punt Returning duties as well, unless he ends up starting at CB. More than likely though, Carrie will back up either Tarell Brown or Carlos Rogers. That’s why depth is so important for all NFL teams. There has to remain a “Next Man Up” mentality or a team will be doomed before it has a chance to start.
GM Reggie McKenzie is very optimistic about the need to bring in another CB to fill in for D.J. Hayden, but the smart move would be to bring one in just in case. Still, McKenzie believes that Hayden will return in time for the start of the regular season. Until then, Raider Nation should see a heavy dose of T.J. Carrie at CB. Raider up kid!
Here’s a look at Travis “TJ” Carrie in a game against East Carolina in 2013: