Darling’s drive comes from twin

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Devard Darling and his twin brother came to the United States from the Bahamas when they were 12. Both immediately took a liking to football, and together they became good enough to earn full scholarships to Florida State.

Their quest to reach the NFL together abruptly and tragically ended when Devaughn, a talented linebacker, died while working out during the 2001 offseason.

Now, as Devard begins his professional career with the Baltimore Ravens, he intends to carry the memory of his brother onto the football field. Every catch he makes and each touchdown he scores will be dedicated to Devaughn, whose spirit lives on within Devard’s heart.

“I live for him. I live for two,” Darling said yesterday, shortly before the Ravens launched a two-day minicamp for rookies. “He is me, and I am him. He’s not here physically, so I have to take it on for him. Everything I do is for him.”

Because both Darlings inherited the sickle cell trait, which doctors concluded caused the cardiac arrhythmia that killed Devaughn, Florida State offered to honor his scholarship but refused to allow Devard to continue playing.

He left for Washington State, where he underwent a battery of tests to make sure his health was sound.

“It was a real tough time for me,” he said. “It was like they took my brother away from me and now they’re trying to take football away from me.”

Darling caught 106 passes for 1,666 yards and 19 touchdowns in college, and now he’s hoping to catch on with the Ravens after being drafted in the third round with the 82nd overall pick.

He comes into an ideal situation, given that the Ravens’ passing game ranked last in the NFL in 2003 and the only wide receiver back with more than 14 catches on that team is Travis Taylor.

The addition of Darling and Kevin Johnson, obtained in a draft day deal with Jacksonville, should give Baltimore more weapons on the outside in 2004.

“We know we wanted to acquire some help at the receiver position,” offensive coordinator Matt Cavanaugh said. “We did it through trade; we did it through the draft. You never know who steps up as your go-to guy.”

Darling believes he can assume that role.

“As a receiver, you want to help and contribute any way you can. My game is being a playmaker, so I want to stretch the field and make big plays,” he said. “Hopefully, I can fit into this offense really well.”

The Ravens are convinced that his health will not be an issue, which is a relief to Darling. After he took his physical, he entered the locker room, thick playbook in hand, and flashed a broad smile.

“This is my dream right here, to be here and be associated with a great team like this,” he said. “I have a good situation here in Baltimore. I’m looking to step in and contribute any way I can.”

Before the draft, Darling was forced to undergo countless examinations and physicals. It was nothing he hadn’t experienced before.

“I’m a perfectly healthy guy. I took all the tests out there numerous times,” he said. “I don’t know what else they expect from me. I’m just as healthy or even more healthy than all these guys out here.

“I’ve been going through that the past couple of years. I’m just ready to get that black cloud out from over my head and play.”

The only thing missing is his brother.

“We were always a packaged deal,” Darling said. “Together. Forever.”