Rookie Looks Like Big Catch

LDB · ^#1 08-02-2006, 07:09 AM

Rookie looks like big catch
By Bill Williamson
Denver Post Staff Writer

Pittsburgh native Brandon Marshall and his trainer, Darnell Harrison, were talking all week leading up to the AFC championship game between the Steelers and the Broncos last January.

Harrison, a big Broncos fan, kept telling Marshall the Steelers were in big trouble. "Yeah, whatever," the wide receiver from Central Florida would tell his trainer between workouts.

When the Steelers advanced to the Super Bowl and the Broncos went into the offseason looking for answers - and new blood - Marshall laughed while Harrison pondered.

"Just like the team, I wanted to move on after the loss," said Harrison, who has worked with Marshall for six years. "I knew Denver needed help. I thought Brandon would be perfect. He's a Bronco now. I've loved that team for a long time, and Brandon is perfect for what they do."

The Broncos concur about the wideout they picked in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April. Five days into training camp, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Marshall has been one of the standouts. He has made play after play, using his superior size and playmaking ability.

The kid they call "Baby T.O." is in the hunt to complete a new-look receiving corps and replace disgruntled Ashley Lelie in the team's rotation. Marshall still must prove himself in preseason games, but he has the chance to become Denver's No. 3 receiver and play a major role in the offense behind starters Javon Walker and Rod Smith.

Darius Watts, David Terrell, Charlie Adams and Todd Devoe also are looking to benefit from Lelie's holdout from camp, but Marshall appears poised to seize the opportunity.

"He's still a rookie, he still has to show himself when it counts," said Mike Heimerdinger, Denver'sassistant head coach and passing game coordinator. "But he has all the tools. He has a shot because of that."

Star cornerback Champ Bailey has said he was shocked Marshall wasn't a first-round pick. Denver initially thought Marshall would be an ideal H-back because of his size and leaping ability - a perfect red-zone threat. But that notion has been scrapped. Marshall appears to be a full-field player.

"He looks like a guy who should be on the field a lot," Broncos safety John Lynch said. "He's strong. I've hit him a few times and you won't be able to arm-tackle that guy."

Marshall's ability to learn also has impressed the Denver coaching staff, which has thrown a lot at him.

"This is the ideal environment for me," said Marshall who has shadowed Walker and Smith off the field. "If I'm doing well, that's good to hear. But I know I still have to keep pushing."
Marshall hasn't shown any signs of the character flaws he was labeled with in some of the predraft analysis. He had a reputation for being a me- first player, extending the Terrell Owens comparisons off the field.

But his college coach, George O'Leary, said the Broncos shouldn't worry about Marshall's personality. O'Leary, who coached him as a junior and senior, said he remembers Marshall being "stupid" once, and that he was a joy to coach. Marshall even sacrificed his development as a wideout to play safety in an emergency as a junior in 2004 on Central Florida's 0-11 team because of an injury.

"I think most of that stuff, just him looking for attention, happened before I got there," O'Leary said. "If people weren't drafting him because of off-the-field stuff, that was a mistake. He's a pretty good kid. I'm proud of this kid, who stayed and finished his degree. I still keep in touch him. He's no problem."

Marshall stressed he never would become a T.O.-like distraction. When told of O'Leary's kind words, the Christmas morning twinkle of a 4-year-old came from Marshall's eyes.

"I respect people," said Marshall, who had the support of family members at camp last weekend. "Ask anyone here from the janitor to the equipment manager, I am respectful. I will continue to be that way."

O'Leary, a former NFL defensive coordinator, said he told several NFL teams that Marshall would be a steal.

"The guy can make plays in that league," O'Leary said. "It doesn't surprise me that he's been impressive."

Perhaps when the Steelers and Broncos meet in Pittsburgh on Nov. 5, Marshall will make his trainer happy.

"I think he's all that's been missing," Harrison said.

http://www.denverpost.com/broncos/ci_4123221

Dream · ^#2 08-02-2006, 11:57 AM

Fantastic article.

Thanks for posting. You can tell I love the kid.

muse · ^#3 08-02-2006, 12:03 PM

I have to say the "Baby TO" label put me off at first. But I believe he's going to be a solid part of this receiver corps for the next few years.

LDB · ^#4 08-02-2006, 12:06 PM

I have to admit that I am really looking forward to seeing both Marshall and Mike Bell on the field!! These reviews have gotten me hungry for some football.

Aug 11.

Dream · ^#5 08-02-2006, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by muse

I have to say the "Baby TO" label put me off at first. But I believe he's going to be a solid part of this receiver corps for the next few years.

I happened to talk to some scouts about this and from what I gathered, it was about his size and play where the nickname came. Not attitude. God, I wish I didn't have to go to school early so I could watch the games on NFL Network.

Jaws · ^#6 08-02-2006, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDB

I have to admit that I am really looking forward to seeing both Marshall and Mike Bell on the field!! These reviews have gotten made me hungry for some football.

Aug 11.

It has certainly whet the appetite.

I'M HUNGRY!!! Somebody feed me!

topscribe · ^#7 08-02-2006, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jaws

It has certainly whet the appetite.

I'M HUNGRY!!! Somebody feed me!

I'M OUT OF HERE!!

-----

Jaws · ^#8 08-02-2006, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by topscribe

I'M OUT OF HERE!!

-----

Wise move.

I was just in the mood for some Topscibe on toast

REEF_811 · ^#9 08-02-2006, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDB

I have to admit that I am really looking forward to seeing both Marshall and Mike Bell on the field!! These reviews have gotten me hungry for some football.

Aug 11.

Cant wait till Aug 11 my B-day and broncos football!

Bronco T · ^#10 08-02-2006, 01:19 PM

seeing that first bronco game on tv (even if it is preseason) gives me a special feeling, kinda like the first sip of a beer.

xX-Bronco-Xx · ^#11 08-02-2006, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bronco T

seeing that first bronco game on tv (even if it is preseason) gives me a special feeling, kinda like the first sip of a beer.

The first sip of beer I spat out.

The Dyna$ty · ^#12 08-02-2006, 02:49 PM

if Watts continues to drop balls than Marshall might become our 3rd WR

Bronco T · ^#13 08-02-2006, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xX-Bronco-Xx

The first sip of beer I spat out.

sorry, i meant the first sip of the day

So.CalBRONCOFAN · ^#14 08-02-2006, 02:55 PM

I'm really excited to have Marshall on our team, I was shocked how far he fell, he's going to have a better career than Holmes and Jackson!

By the way is the Bronco game going to be nation wide, i'm out here in California, not sure if it will be shown here or not, i have nfl network.

jhns · ^#15 08-02-2006, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by So.CalBRONCOFAN

I'm really excited to have Marshall on our team, I was shocked how far he fell, he's going to have a better career than Holmes and Jackson!

By the way is the Bronco game going to be nation wide, i'm out here in California, not sure if it will be shown here or not, i have nfl network.

Yes they are all nation wide. I think all of the games but 2 play every week all over the country.