Font Size:

BRONCOS CAMP:  Tuesday, August 10, 2010

There’s nothing like being the new kids at school.  And that’s exactly what we felt like after our 4 hour drive from Grand Junction to Dove Valley.  It was one of the more uncomfortable moments in my professional career.  Especially when we took the front and center spot for Josh McDaniels’s pre-practice press conference.  I’m sure the Denver camera guys will get over it, though.

We were there for two reasons:  Ben Garland and Riar Geer.  It was definitely fun following a Central and Fruita Monument graduate around practice.  But also challenging because we had to try and send all of our video back to Grand Junction for the 5:30 newscast.

For starters, practice was delayed by about 20 minutes.  It also ran about 30 minutes longer than scheduled.  But we were determined to talk to at least one of our local athletes on Tuesday. 

When practice finally did come to an end, but of our guys participated in extra drills.  Understandable, because both are trying to become a part of the 2010 Denver Broncos.  Then, along with a handful of players, they spent 25 minutes signing autographs.  This increased my blood pressure a tad as we approached deadline, but seeing Garland and Geer meet with the mass of fans was pretty awesome.  Not only are they fighting for a spot on an NFL roster, but they’re enjoying it.  And that was the best part of the day.

We got a chance to talk to Ben before rushing off to get it ready for the 5:30 newscast, and we’re set to meet with Riar on Wednesday.  To hear about Ben’s impressions on camp, go to  http://www.nbc11news.com/sports/headlines/100404809.html.

By the way, at the end of practice when both the offense and defense were running wind sprints, the defense was right in front of us.  Ben Garland was at the front of the pack, running with the defensive backs, while his fellow defensive lineman followed 10 yards behind.  It doesn’t mean he’s the fastest in the group, but he certainly showed the most hustle under the surprisingly hot Denver sunshine.