Former West Creek star C.J. Board signs with Ravens

It's been a eventful day for Montgomery County and former Clarksville-area high school football players.

Hours after former Northeast High and Tennessee standout Jalen Reeves-Maybin was drafted in the fourth round of the NFL draft by the Detroit Lions, another former prep star from Clarksville got his shot to latch on to a pro franchise this summer.

Former West Creek star and UT Chattanooga wide receiver C.J. Board signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Baltimore Ravens early Saturday evening.

"I went into this process knowing that I wouldn't be a draft guy," Board said. "I just wanted to see if a team would take a chance on me. Thankfully one did and I'm blessed that the Ravens will give me that opportunity."

It was Board's pro day on March 30 that turned several teams around. After receiving little interest before the new year, Board's workout in front of 18 NFL teams last month caused a stir. He ran a blistering 40-yard dash time of 4.38 seconds.

From that point, teams including the Falcons, Bengals, Titans, Packers, Jets and Chargers began to take notice. But it was the Ravens that remained the most steadfast in staying in contact with Board.

"They were calling me throughout the draft," Board said of the Ravens. "I've been staying in contact with them for a while. They just let me know that they had their eye on me and they wanted to get to know me as a person and a football player. They felt comfortable with me and confident."

Board's speed stood out, giving the Ravens some options. Not only can the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Board play on the outside, he can also contribute on special teams, a point in his favor given that Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh gained a reputation as one of the top special teams coordinators in the NFL as an assistant in Philadelphia.

"They liked my ball skills and my speed and what I was able to do on pro day," Board said. "And they liked me on film."

Board said he's been on the go since his senior season ended at UT-Chattanooga. In 47 career starts, he caught 146 passes for 2,032 yards and 10 TDs. He ranks sixth all-time in receptions and fifth all-time in receiving yards.

"The grind is stressful," he said. "The workouts don't stop. But if you want to play at the highest level, you have to be willing to put in the work. There is no shortcut."

Board said he spoke with Reeves-Maybin prior to his pro day last month but hasn't had a chance to catch up with his former high school football rival and friend.

"Him getting drafted, that was awesome," Board said. "He's a great, great player and I wish him luck."

Reach prep writer George Robinson at georgerobinson@theleafchronicle.com or (931) 245-0747 and on Twitter @Cville_Sports.