NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Kamalei Correa began the 2018 season with the Baltimore Ravens.
On Sunday, he'll face his former team as a member of the Tennessee Titans, where he's recorded two sacks already this season.
"This is going to be a different feel for me," Correa said on Wednesday. "The guys are great, the coaches are great. (The Ravens have) a great organization. But I am with the Titans now. It is my new family, and it is my new team.
"And on Sunday, I am going to do everything I can to help the Titans win the game."
Correa was drafted by the Ravens in the second round of 2016 NFL Draft, and he played in 25 games for the team in two seasons. He got off to a fast start in training camp this season. In Baltimore's preseason opener against the Bears, Correa played 37 snaps and finished with six tackles, three sacks, a forced fumble, an interception and two passes defended.
But on August 28, Correa was called into the office of Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome. Then, he was informed he was being traded to the Titans. Correa said Newsome told him the team wanted to move in a "different direction."
"There's not extra motivation; I am going to be ready every single Sunday," Correa said of facing his old team. "I respected (what he said). It's business, so I just went about my business and I came here and I couldn't be more happy."
During a conference call on Wednesday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh had some nice things to say about Correa, who was high school teammates with Marcus Mariota in Honolulu.
"I take great pride in Kamalei, and when I watch him on tape in Tennessee he is playing very well, and that is always great to see as a coach. It is very fulfilling," Harbaugh said. "I am not surprised at all. He's a very motivated young man, very determine, married now, and with kids. It means so much to him. He's a guy we're going to have a tough time blocking."
In four games with the Titans, Correa has recorded eight tackles and two tackles for a loss, along with the two sacks.
Will knowing the Ravens personnel and scheme help him on Sunday?
"I've been with the Ravens, so I know their system a little bit, their scheme. It may help during the week on small tips and reminders," he said. "But on Sunday, the best guy wins, the more prepared guy wins. Whoever is ready is going to win."
Correa said the biggest adjustment following the trade was moving his family.
But he's fit in well with the Titans, where he was reunited with Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees, who coached with the Ravens from 2012-17.
Correa said he's excited about what's ahead.
"Now I have a fresh start, a clean slate," Correa said. "And it's an exciting new feel to be here. … And it is football, man. I get to play football for a living so I cannot complain. Every Sunday I get to go out there and hit somebody, and not get in trouble for it.
"It is a new opportunity and I am excited to be here to help the Titans win. It's all about the Titans now."
TitansOnline.com looks back at the all-time series against the Baltimore Ravens. (Photos, Donn Jones, AP)
Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore Ravens Game on September 16, 2005 in Nashville. TN.
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) celebrates with free safety Kevin Byard (31) after Byard made his second pass interception of the game against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Rishard Matthews (18) catches a 16-yard touchdown pass ahead of Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (24) in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to throw the ball against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) throws a pass against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) looks over the defense of the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Corey Davis (84) lines up against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Austin Howard (77) sets to block against the Tennessee Titans during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) slaps hands with fans after an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) sets to block Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Eric Decker (87) catches an 11-yard touchdown pass against the Baltimore Ravens in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
The Tennessee Titans defense brings down Baltimore Ravens running back Alex Collins (34) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) runs the ball against the Baltimore Ravens during an NFL football game on Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (Jeff Haynes/AP Images for Panini)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) talks with Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. The Titans won 23-20. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) gets past Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) as Henry scores a touchdown on a 1-yard run in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 5, 2017, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/James Kenney)
