Damien Berry

Damien Berry (born October 21, 1989) is an American former professional football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, leading the team in rushing and earning second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) honors in 2010. He was signed by the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2011.

Early life Damien Berry was born in 1989 at Belle Glade, Florida. His father, Kenny Berry, played college football for the Miami Hurricanes from 1987 to 1989. Berry attended Suncoast High School where he played running back and safety, though he was mainly used as a safety. As a sophomore for Suncoast, Berry had four interceptions, more than 500 rushing yards, and 300 more all-purpose yards, and finished the season with 14 touchdowns. As a junior, Berry rushed for 530 yards and five touchdowns to go along with three interceptions on defense. As a senior, Berry transferred to Glades Central High School, where he rushed for 1,080 yards and 19 touchdowns. Despite suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Berry played through the injury as a senior and helped lead Glades Central to a state title. He later had surgery to repair tears in the meniscus and ACL. He played in seven games on the kickoff cover team and recorded three tackles.

In March 2009, Berry secured a spot for himself when he rushed for 124 yards, including a 54-yard touchdown run, during Miami's annual spring game.

As a junior, Berry rushed for a career-high 162 yards against the Florida A&M. Interviewed after the game, Berry gave the credit to his offensive line: "Everything went great, and, I mean, yeah, that's thanks to my O-line." He became a fan favorite as Miami supporters "rhythmically chanted" his last name ("Berry, Berry, Berry ...") when he entered games. Asked in November 2009 about whether he lacked the moves to shake defenders, Berry replied:"If you're not a defensive lineman or a legit linebacker, I'm going to run through you. When I look up and see nothing but one guy (in front of him), I'm going through him. ... They say I can't shake (defenders). I got moves, but why use it when you don't need it? I'm more of a power back. I'd rather run straight through you than try to run around you." During the 2009 season, Berry rushed for 616 yards, averaging 6.6 yards per carry, and led the Hurricanes with eight touchdowns. He added a fourth consecutive 100-yard rushing performance the following week. Berry rushed for 899 yards during the 2010 season. He was Miami's leading rusher in 2010, was selected as a second-team All-ACC player.

Professional career

Baltimore Ravens Berry was signed by the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2011. Berry was assigned No. 23 by the Ravens, the same number worn by Willis McGahee, another Miami Hurricanes running back who went on to play for the Ravens. After receiving the jersey, Berry told reporters, "It was a total surprise. I came in and they had No. 23 in my locker. I'm proud to wear it. I'm definitely going to represent for Willis and try to build on what he left here."

On August 25, 2013, he was waived by the Ravens.