Broncos rookie running back Maurice Clarett has become a forgotten young man, at least for the time being. That’s fine with him.
The controversial third- round draft choice was one of the biggest stories of the NFL draft. But with the Broncos holding offseason practices behind closed doors the past three weeks, there has been no chance for outsiders to judge Clarett’s physical conditioning or football progress.
Plus, the spotlight-hogging addition of legendary wide receiver Jerry Rice to the roster has allowed the former Ohio State star to quietly go about the business of learning Denver’s thick playbook.
“I just go home and study hard every night,” Clarett said Friday after his 11th practice with the team.
Coach Mike Shanahan said Clarett, 21, is progressing at the same rate as the Broncos’ other rookies.
“Like all rookies, it takes a while to get back in football shape,” Shanahan said. “He looks pretty good. Like all rookies, it’s a learning curve. It doesn’t happen overnight, but he’s making progress.”
Clarett hasn’t played in a game since he was a true freshman at Ohio State, leading the Buckeyes to a national championship by beating Miami in the Fiesta Bowl in January 2003.
After that dream season, Clarett had a minor run-in with the law, then got into trouble for accepting improper benefits and lying about it to NCAA investigators. Ohio State suspended him for the 2003 season.
Clarett rushed for 1,237 yards and scored 18 touchdowns as a freshman at Ohio State, but he must tweak his style to fit Denver’s system.
“At first when I was running the ball, I was being patient, more like I was at Ohio State,” Clarett said. “(Broncos offensive coordinator) Gary Kubiak told me, ‘You’ll never get into trouble for running downhill here.’ I’ve pretty much got that under control, so it’s cool.”
Reporters have pretty much turned their attention to Rice. That was cool with Clarett, too.
“It was a big relief for me,” Clarett said. “I got the chance to see somebody else on the news.”
Smith status quo
Veteran wideout Rod Smith is the leading receiver in Broncos history, one of the team’s offensive captains, a leader in the locker room and a selfless teacher. For years, Smith has taken time after practice to coach young wide receivers.
Since the arrival of Rice, there has been talk that he will become the leader and mentor for the Broncos’ young players.
Smith made it clear Friday that whatever role Rice ends up playing for the Broncos, it won’t change Smith’s attitude, or his status on the team.
“I know my guys expect me to be out there in front, taking the brunt of the blows if I have to for the guys on this team,” Smith said. “I’m still going to do it, no matter who they bring in. If Joe Montana un-retires and comes back, or (John) Elway, I’m still going to continue to do the things I have done. I know it helps our unit and makes us a better football team.”
Patrick Saunders can be reached at 303-820-5459 or psaunders@denverpost.com.
