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The former Arizona Wildcats kicker held a watch party for Day 3 of the NFL Draft at his family home in Dallas. 

Kickers traditionally get drafted anywhere between the fifth and seventh rounds — and usually only a few get selected. Following an illustrious career at Arizona and an impressive performance at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Loop entered the NFL Draft as one of the top kickers. 

After playing card games and watching the early parts of the NFL Draft on Saturday, Loop settled in for his life-changing moment.

"When the fifth and sixth round rolled around, it was like, 'Alright, this is where we see kickers go, so let's start paying attention and start watching, being on alert,'" Loop said. "We had a good idea of the teams looking for a kicker and possibly taking one in the draft. Whenever the Ravens and Patriots came around, we were on alert for the phone call."

After the New England Patriots drafted Miami's Andres Borregales at No. 182 overall in the sixth round and the Baltimore Ravens were on the clock, Loop anticipated the phone call.  

"Pick 186 came around and my phone started ringing and I was like, 'Alright, here we go!'" Loop said. "Saw the Baltimore area code and instantly knew that I was going to Baltimore. It was super exciting." 

Loop, who owns the UA record for longest field goal (62 yards) and single-game made field goals (five), became the first Arizona kicker drafted since Nick Folk in 2007.

The Ravens drafted Loop after five-time All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker was recently accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists. While Tucker has publicly denied the allegations and called the accusations   the NFL is investigating the situation and the Ravens have yet to make a decision regarding Tucker's future. 

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta told reporters Saturday night that drafting Loop isn't correlated to Tucker's murky future. 

"I haven't really thought about that at this point," DeCosta said. "I just thought he was a really talented player, and it made sense for us to do that for a lot of different reasons. We've told you guys multiple times this spring that we would look at kickers, and so, for us, it's like any other position this year. We evaluated all these guys, (and) we felt like he was draftable. We felt like he was the best kicker. It made sense for us to take him."

DeCosta said Loop "is a really talented player" and "we're excited to see what he can do." 

Leading up to rookie minicamp this week, Loop joined "Spears & Ali" on ESPN ´óÏóAPPTuesday morning to talk about joining the Ravens and leaving ´óÏóAPPafter five years.

How was the pre-draft process getting to know Ravens special teams coach Randy Brown, who's been coaching in Baltimore for nearly 20 years?

A: "It's been fun. We first met at the (NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis) during that workout. I got to chat with him for a little bit about my time at Arizona, and started building that relationship. After Pro Day, teams are able to do private workouts with players and stuff like that. He messaged me and said, 'Hey, I want to do a private workout with you.'

"We talked about kicking mechanics and my time at Arizona and where we think I can improve and where we can continue to build upon and have success in Baltimore, stuff like that. A lot of phone calls and back-and-forth texting about what I'm working on. He would give me feedback and say, 'This is what I want to see. See if you can do this.'

"We had a pretty good feeling from my side that the Ravens might be looking to draft a kicker because of the conversations and how that went. It's cool. Randy is an awesome dude. Tons of experience and has been around some awesome kickers with the Ravens. ... It's exciting to talk and get a relationship with a guy like that because he has so much experience to share. ... It's a great coaching staff there in Baltimore, so it's super exciting." 

What have the Ravens told you regarding Tucker's situation? Are you anticipating becoming the starter?

A: "They haven't really said anything. They haven't really touched on that situation, so..." 

What have you heard about the city of Baltimore and the Ravens' team culture?

A: "I've been to Baltimore one time to coach a kicking camp. It was cool. We went to Annapolis and that inner-harbor area. One thing that's different, they have a lot of fresh seafood and crab and long shrimp, so I'm excited for that. I know Baltimore is a city that loves the Ravens. It's a cool culture up there. From top down, the management and the coaching staff and organization as a whole is an awesome one. Being a part of that and representing that organization is super exciting for me. It's a big blessing for me." 

When you think of the Baltimore Ravens, what's the first thing that comes to mind?

A: "Lamar Jackson? All of the great players who've been there. I don't know why this play consistently comes to mind, but (punter) Sam Koch's (intentional) safety in the Super Bowl, where he takes the snap and hangs out in the end zone. I don't know why that play comes to mind, but it does. And winning. It's super exciting getting to go to an organization and knowing there's a chance to win the Super Bowl in my first year. It's pretty cool."

Is there a specific player you're excited to meet?

A: "Oh, man. All of them. There are guys who have been in that organization for a long time and guys who have been super successful. Guys when I was in high school and middle school was like, 'Oh, this guy is a dog.' Getting to meet them is really exciting. Nick Moore, the long snapper, and Jordan Stout, the punter, they both reached out to me and were really kind. They let me know, 'Hey, if you need anything, hit us up. Here's our number and we're excited to get to work.' It's super exciting to get to know those guys and be a part of that team."

How have the last five years at Arizona shaped you?

A: "I love Tucson. ´óÏóAPPis unique in a way where it's a big city, but it feels small. It's so hard to describe. But ´óÏóAPPhas become home. I don't remember much of my life before Tucson. Getting to college, making all of my friends, finding a church and getting plugged into ´óÏóAPPand serving the community and being at the U of A, it's been such a defining chapter of my life in terms of growing up and I'll be totally grateful for that for a long time. ´óÏóAPPis a place, where long term, I could end up back here. It's got a special place in my heart. It's been a really cool five years."