QB Camp Interview with Brandon Marshall - The Orange Mane

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-19-2006, 11:59 PM

http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.ph...4&storyID=5617

Marshall's Plan
Rookie Brandon Marshall Embraces Opportunity with Broncos

Rookie wide receiver Brandon Marshall led Central Florida in receiving yards and touchdowns as a senior and paced the team in tackles as a free safety during his junior campaign.

By J. Michael Moore
DenverBroncos.com

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Unlike some rookies entering the NFL this season, Brandon Marshall has somewhere to look for an example.

The University of Central Florida may not be a household name west of the Mississippi River, but it has its share of alumni that have become NFL stars including Miami quarterback Daunte Culpepper, New England defensive back Asante Samuel and Oakland wide receiver Doug Gabriel.

Marshall, who was selected from the school in the fourth round by the Broncos last month, said it wasn't uncommon for Culpepper or others to drop by the practice field in Orlando. Marshall even worked out with Charles Lee, a fraternity brother and NFL receiver, over his Spring Break.

"It's a big difference but, man, guys that come out of UCF are prepared to the fullest because of the program itself," Marshall said. "As far as me, I came in under (then-head coach and former Steelers quarterback) Mike Kruczek. One thing everyone knows about him is he throws the ball around and his play book is just as thick, if not thicker, than our play book now. It was really tough. Any given play you could have three different options for what you're doing -- run or pass. So the adjustment for me is not easy, but it's not hard."

But lineage wasn't the only reason the Broncos drafted Marshall.

At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is and inch taller and 15 pounds heavier than any other receiver on the roster. He is slightly taller and heavier than Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens -- one of the prototypical "big" receivers in the NFL.

Marshall is flattered by the comparison.

"Whenever you've got a guy that's possibly one of the best receivers ever to play the game you're going to follow him if that's the position you play," he said. "So, I do look at Terrell. I studied him a little bit and tried to take things out of his notebook. That's a good thing. That's a blessing to be able to be compared to one of the greatest on the field."

Marshall led the Golden Knights last season with 74 catches for 1,195 yards and 11 touchdowns. He could have had lofty career numbers if not for switching to free safety three games into his junior year -- an 0-11 season characterized by injury.

"I was out there doing it for the team," he said. "A lot of guys went down and we were stacked at receiver that year. We had a bunch of guys and it was a new system. So, we were still learning the system and things weren't going on offense the way we wanted it to go. I took it upon myself to go to coach and say 'If you need me over there, I'll go over there.'

"It was kind of fun but, at the same time, I was ready to get back at receiver."

It was the ultimate move by a team player, but it also showed the versatility the Broncos were after in the draft.

"We think he has the flexibility to play on the outside and inside," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said soon after the team drafted Marshall. "He could be an H-back, tight end (or) receiver ... We think he's a good athlete."

But Marshall isn't looking in to swapping positions anytime soon.

Because, while he hails from a school with a small, yet solid, pro pedigree, he says he has plenty to learn from veteran receivers like Rod Smith, David Terrell and Javon Walker.

"It's kind of exciting just to be able to come out here and compete and work hard to earn a job," Marshall said of his first week with the Broncos. "It's exciting and fun. It's a blessing to make it this far, to the NFL.

"I'm out here just competing and the way it's looking right now, I'm going to stay at wide receiver and continue to learn the play book."

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-20-2006, 12:03 AM

I really hope they stick with keeping this guy at receiver instead of moving him inside.

SoCalBronco · 05-20-2006, 12:03 AM

very good stuff, thanks footsteps.

Man-Goblin · 05-20-2006, 12:05 AM

Love this guy. Keep him at WR if at all possible. PLEASE.

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-20-2006, 12:07 AM

Kind of interesting that both him and Hixon not only started at safety as well as receiver, but they both led their team in tackles as well.

ludo21 · 05-20-2006, 12:10 AM

I hope he stays ar WR too, a big body that can own the middle of the field is what we need.

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-20-2006, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCalBronco

very good stuff, thanks footsteps.

wabbit · 05-20-2006, 12:44 AM

I'm really eager to get a look at this guy.

If he really does have great hands he could very well develop into that Shannon Sharpe-type H-back weapon.

He shouldn't dismiss that role as he aims toward a WR spot...Sharpe made a HOF career out of it.

watermock · 05-20-2006, 12:54 AM

Quote:

"I'm out here just competing and the way it's looking right now, I'm going to stay at wide receiver and continue to learn the play book."

whoot!

watermock · 05-20-2006, 12:58 AM

Bronco Fans, I go postal every draft. This might be the best one of all time.

I'm not homer, I go postal. this is an excellent draft, last years was very good.

They usually have to drag me to the rubber room. I liked this draft other than we shoud of found a way to get a 3rd.

Lestat · 05-20-2006, 01:53 AM

i can't wait to see him go during pre season, he sounds like the future possesion WR we'll need

a team player too, unlike a certain #85 we all know

BroncoBuff · 05-20-2006, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by watermock

Bronco Fans, I go postal every draft. This might be the best one of all time.

I'm not homer, I go postal. this is an excellent draft, last years was very good.

They usually have to drag me to the rubber room. I liked this draft other than we shoud of found a way to get a 3rd.

Which was the worst ever in your opinion?

I'll say 2001 .... Middlebrooks and Paul Toviessi, punter Nick Harris, Kevin Kasper (and Reggie Hayward - who became Foxworth? Or Paymah?). You know it's going to be a bad draft when Mel Kiper says, "Middlebrooks here? Mike Shanahan is really reaching ... I had him maybe in the second round, and I think I was being generous."

broncohaven · 05-20-2006, 05:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff1

Which was the worst ever in your opinion?

I'll say 2001 .... Middlebrooks and Paul Toviessi, punter Nick Harris, Kevin Kasper (and Reggie Hayward - who became Foxworth? Or Paymah?). You know it's going to be a bad draft when Mel Kiper says, "Middlebrooks here? Mike Shanahan is really reaching ... I had him maybe in the second round, and I think I was being generous."

Man, 2001 was a terrible draft. I hope we keep doing whatever we've been doing the last two years, the drafts have improved immensely. I particularly like the wheeling and dealing. Our staff right now knows how to manipulate the system to get what they want, and it's a beautiful thing to witness.

MechanicalBull · 05-20-2006, 07:33 AM

He was one of the late round wr I wanted to Denver to draft and hope he does stay at receiver, but now that I think of it if he turns out to be good, to put him in different spots can be great. You can put him with Rod and Javon or pair him up with Scheffler at the goal line with a 2 TE set. I'm not comparing him to Chris Cooley but I think he is underrated since he doesn't really have a true position, but I love how the Skins use him and he is always a go to guy around the goal line.

Play2win · 05-20-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by broncohaven

Man, 2001 was a terrible draft. I hope we keep doing whatever we've been doing the last two years, the drafts have improved immensely. I particularly like the wheeling and dealing. Our staff right now knows how to manipulate the system to get what they want, and it's a beautiful thing to witness.

I agree whole-heartily. Our personnel moves over the last two years have been top-notch... We still have a few holes, but in this time of parity we are getting closer and closer to a complete team...

Play2win · 05-20-2006, 09:07 AM

Can you imagine having Marshall, Terrel, Walker and Scheffler, plus Rod, all on the field at the same time.

Talk about serious size and serious targets...

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-20-2006, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

He was one of the late round wr I wanted to Denver to draft and hope he does stay at receiver, but now that I think of it if he turns out to be good, to put him in different spots can be great. You can put him with Rod and Javon or pair him up with Scheffler at the goal line with a 2 TE set. I'm not comparing him to Chris Cooley but I think he is underrated since he doesn't really have a true position, but I love how the Skins use him and he is always a go to guy around the goal line.

I think receiver is his true position. We already have another promising TE/H-Back type in Scheffler, who is not considered a great blocker at this point. I don't think we should underestimate the need for blocking from the TE position, and while I think Scheffler can become a good blocker right now he's not. If I were Shanny I'd actually think about moving Carswell back to TE so we'd have one guy there who can really pound on people in running formations, especially since he's lost weight.

I prefer to see Marshall going up against 5'10", 190 lb corners rather than 6"4", 250 pound linebackers. In reality, there's no reason he can't play both but I see him as the heir apparent to Smith.

This is possibly the biggest receiving corp in the NFL if our 2 new rookie WR's pan out and beat out the spares we had in here last year.

Scheffler 6'5 1/2 255
Marshall 6'4 1/2 230
Walker 6'3" 215
Terrell 6'3" 215
Devoe 6'2" 220
Hixon 6'2 1/2 200
Smith 6'0" 200

With all the talk about Marshall, Hixon might be overshadowed and overlooked. Because we hadn't heard of him, some people think he'll be a bust. But looking at the kid's college career he's obviously a great athlete and has the size and speed to play at the next level. How sweet would it be if he and Terrell both develop and we have four guys rotating in and out with big production when Rod retires?

jonny1 · 05-20-2006, 10:08 AM

I think some people are reading too much into Shanny's quote, "He could be an H-back, tight end (or) receiver . . ." I think what he is saying that they can send him into the huddle, and the defense is not going to be able to get an early read on where he is going to line up.

MechanicalBull · 05-20-2006, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by footstepsfrom#27

I think receiver is his true position. We already have another promising TE/H-Back type in Scheffler, who is not considered a great blocker at this point. I don't think we should underestimate the need for blocking from the TE position, and while I think Scheffler can become a good blocker right now he's not. If I were Shanny I'd actually think about moving Carswell back to TE so we'd have one guy there who can really pound on people in running formations, especially since he's lost weight.

Either I'm misreading you or you misread me. I think Cooley doesn't have a true position and not Marshall. Marshall should be a WR but Cooley plays all over the place. I've seen him listed mostly as a TE but sometimes a FB as well. If Scheffler can be a TE/H-Back than I say keep Marshall at WR.

SportinOne · 05-20-2006, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonny1

I think some people are reading too much into Shanny's quote, "He could be an H-back, tight end (or) receiver . . ." I think what he is saying that they can send him into the huddle, and the defense is not going to be able to get an early read on where he is going to line up.

Well then that would imply that he had lined up somewhere other than WR before.. if he hadn't, then why would they expect him to lineup anywhere else the next time he came into the huddle?

I for one do not want him to mess around with TE or H back.. But if all of these guys are doing well, he'd have to be the first choice to see time in one of those other positions.

WR - Smith, Walker
TE - Scheffler, Marshall
RB - Bell...but which one?

that's a pretty good set of weapons to have on the field all at once. If we can get Scheff and Marshall to really block well, this can be more than just a passing formation.

Requiem · 05-20-2006, 12:38 PM

This makes me really happy. If he's going to stay at wide receiver, that's awesome, but hopefully he doesn't have his attitude hell bent on that so he gets in the dog house and we never get to see him play. This guy will create serious mismatches for whoever he goes against. 6'5 - 230 and a 4.49, that's amazing.

Requiem · 05-20-2006, 03:58 PM

Man, he looks pissed after that Hawaii Bowl loss.

footstepsfrom#27 · 05-20-2006, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MechanicalBull

Either I'm misreading you or you misread me. I think Cooley doesn't have a true position and not Marshall. Marshall should be a WR but Cooley plays all over the place. I've seen him listed mostly as a TE but sometimes a FB as well. If Scheffler can be a TE/H-Back than I say keep Marshall at WR.

I misread you...I thought you meant Marshall...sorry.

Here's a thought though...Scheffler ran a 4.54...pretty fast for a 6'5 1/2" 260 pounder...wonder if he has the ability to split out wide from a double TE formation? Potentially we might have two guys on the field at the same time capable of lining up wherever they want to. That's a pretty scary thought for a defensive backfield.

05-19-2006, 11:59 PM	#1
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,116 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	QB Camp Interview with Brandon Marshall http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.ph...4&storyID=5617 Marshall's Plan Rookie Brandon Marshall Embraces Opportunity with Broncos Rookie wide receiver Brandon Marshall led Central Florida in receiving yards and touchdowns as a senior and paced the team in tackles as a free safety during his junior campaign. By J. Michael Moore DenverBroncos.com ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Unlike some rookies entering the NFL this season, Brandon Marshall has somewhere to look for an example. The University of Central Florida may not be a household name west of the Mississippi River, but it has its share of alumni that have become NFL stars including Miami quarterback Daunte Culpepper, New England defensive back Asante Samuel and Oakland wide receiver Doug Gabriel. Marshall, who was selected from the school in the fourth round by the Broncos last month, said it wasn't uncommon for Culpepper or others to drop by the practice field in Orlando. Marshall even worked out with Charles Lee, a fraternity brother and NFL receiver, over his Spring Break. "It's a big difference but, man, guys that come out of UCF are prepared to the fullest because of the program itself," Marshall said. "As far as me, I came in under (then-head coach and former Steelers quarterback) Mike Kruczek. One thing everyone knows about him is he throws the ball around and his play book is just as thick, if not thicker, than our play book now. It was really tough. Any given play you could have three different options for what you're doing -- run or pass. So the adjustment for me is not easy, but it's not hard." But lineage wasn't the only reason the Broncos drafted Marshall. At 6-foot-4 and 230 pounds, he is and inch taller and 15 pounds heavier than any other receiver on the roster. He is slightly taller and heavier than Cowboys wide receiver Terrell Owens -- one of the prototypical "big" receivers in the NFL. Marshall is flattered by the comparison. "Whenever you've got a guy that's possibly one of the best receivers ever to play the game you're going to follow him if that's the position you play," he said. "So, I do look at Terrell. I studied him a little bit and tried to take things out of his notebook. That's a good thing. That's a blessing to be able to be compared to one of the greatest on the field." Marshall led the Golden Knights last season with 74 catches for 1,195 yards and 11 touchdowns. He could have had lofty career numbers if not for switching to free safety three games into his junior year -- an 0-11 season characterized by injury. "I was out there doing it for the team," he said. "A lot of guys went down and we were stacked at receiver that year. We had a bunch of guys and it was a new system. So, we were still learning the system and things weren't going on offense the way we wanted it to go. I took it upon myself to go to coach and say 'If you need me over there, I'll go over there.' "It was kind of fun but, at the same time, I was ready to get back at receiver." It was the ultimate move by a team player, but it also showed the versatility the Broncos were after in the draft. "We think he has the flexibility to play on the outside and inside," Head Coach Mike Shanahan said soon after the team drafted Marshall. "He could be an H-back, tight end (or) receiver ... We think he's a good athlete." But Marshall isn't looking in to swapping positions anytime soon. Because, while he hails from a school with a small, yet solid, pro pedigree, he says he has plenty to learn from veteran receivers like Rod Smith, David Terrell and Javon Walker. "It's kind of exciting just to be able to come out here and compete and work hard to earn a job," Marshall said of his first week with the Broncos. "It's exciting and fun. It's a blessing to make it this far, to the NFL. "I'm out here just competing and the way it's looking right now, I'm going to stay at wide receiver and continue to learn the play book."

05-20-2006, 12:03 AM	#3
SoCalBronco Nixonite Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Arcadia, CA Posts: 33,285 Adopt-a-Bronco: D.J. Williams	very good stuff, thanks footsteps. __________________ ITS A PLAYOFF HOCKEY NIGHT IN PITTSBURGH!

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05-20-2006, 12:05 AM	#4
Man-Goblin Giving You The Business Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Huntersville, NC Posts: 5,588 Adopt-a-Bronco: Woodyard	Love this guy. Keep him at WR if at all possible. PLEASE.

05-20-2006, 12:07 AM	#5
footstepsfrom#27 helmet to helmet hitter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Arlington, TX Posts: 16,116 Adopt-a-Bronco: Joe Mays	Kind of interesting that both him and Hixon not only started at safety as well as receiver, but they both led their team in tackles as well.

05-20-2006, 12:10 AM	#6
ludo21 RIP Darrent Williams Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 17,898 Adopt-a-Bronco: Paul Ernster	I hope he stays ar WR too, a big body that can own the middle of the field is what we need.

05-20-2006, 12:44 AM	#8
wabbit Ring of Famer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Aurora Posts: 5,449	I'm really eager to get a look at this guy. If he really does have great hands he could very well develop into that Shannon Sharpe-type H-back weapon. He shouldn't dismiss that role as he aims toward a WR spot...Sharpe made a HOF career out of it.

05-20-2006, 12:58 AM	#10
watermock "Hoodie Jr" "Hug me!" Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Hot Springs, Ouachitah Posts: 77,090	Bronco Fans, I go postal every draft. This might be the best one of all time. I'm not homer, I go postal. this is an excellent draft, last years was very good. They usually have to drag me to the rubber room. I liked this draft other than we shoud of found a way to get a 3rd.

05-20-2006, 01:53 AM	#11
Lestat Oreo Lucian Rockefeller The New Age Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 5,137	i can't wait to see him go during pre season, he sounds like the future possesion WR we'll need a team player too, unlike a certain #85 we all know

05-20-2006, 07:33 AM	#14
MechanicalBull Interesting Times Ahead Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,825	He was one of the late round wr I wanted to Denver to draft and hope he does stay at receiver, but now that I think of it if he turns out to be good, to put him in different spots can be great. You can put him with Rod and Javon or pair him up with Scheffler at the goal line with a 2 TE set. I'm not comparing him to Chris Cooley but I think he is underrated since he doesn't really have a true position, but I love how the Skins use him and he is always a go to guy around the goal line.

05-20-2006, 09:07 AM	#16
Play2win Ring of Famer Join Date: Nov 2003 Posts: 9,610 Adopt-a-Bronco: The Duke	Can you imagine having Marshall, Terrel, Walker and Scheffler, plus Rod, all on the field at the same time. Talk about serious size and serious targets...

05-20-2006, 10:08 AM	#18
jonny1 Ahhh, football! Broncos' cheerleaders rule! Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,502 Adopt-a-Bronco: Chris Kuper	I think some people are reading too much into Shanny's quote, "He could be an H-back, tight end (or) receiver . . ." I think what he is saying that they can send him into the huddle, and the defense is not going to be able to get an early read on where he is going to line up.

05-20-2006, 12:38 PM	#21
Requiem ~~~ ~ ~ ~ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Earth Division Posts: 19,515 Adopt-a-Bronco: Gilgamesh	This makes me really happy. If he's going to stay at wide receiver, that's awesome, but hopefully he doesn't have his attitude hell bent on that so he gets in the dog house and we never get to see him play. This guy will create serious mismatches for whoever he goes against. 6'5 - 230 and a 4.49, that's amazing.

05-20-2006, 03:58 PM	#22
Requiem ~~~ ~ ~ ~ Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Earth Division Posts: 19,515 Adopt-a-Bronco: Gilgamesh	Man, he looks pissed after that Hawaii Bowl loss.