Maurice Clarett was standing in a hallway at his new sanctuary, minding his business and eating cookies when Broncos defensive end Marco Coleman – who entered the NFL when Clarett was 8 years old and free of any controversial clouds – busted through the door.
Coleman introduced Clarett to his 8-year-old son, Kenneth.
“Don’t mind him,” Coleman said to his son. “He’s just a rookie.”
Clarett laughed. He has finally made it to rookie status in the NFL, and the benign “just a rookie” suits him just fine as he works into his life in pro football. For the former Ohio State star, it has been a long road to get to this point as a reserve running back for the Broncos.
Clarett is preparing for his second full week of training camp. The third-round draft pick was held out of Thursday’s and Saturday’s practices because of a groin injury. With the team off Sunday, Clarett said he expects to be practicing today.
While Clarett is looking forward to two days of working against the Houston Texans this week in preparation for Saturday night’s preseason opener at Reliant Stadium, he said he is learning to see every day as part of a process.
“Really, I’m just trying to be patient and not rush too much,” Clarett said. “That’s the biggest thing about all this.”
Clarett last played football in the 2002 season, when, as a freshman, he led the Buckeyes to the national championship. He had to sit out the past two years because of his well-documented issues with Ohio State and the NCAA.
Clarett prefers to talk about the future, not the past. Ohio State and his unique contract have been off-limits. Hours before the Broncos reported to training camp July 28, Clarett signed a nearly unheard-of deal that had no signing bonus. Clarett, however, could make up to $7 million during his four-year contract if he performs well.
“I appreciate just talking about what’s ahead,” he said.
Clarett said he doesn’t feel rusty after the long layoff, but said he does need to improve.
“It’s just the repetitions and getting going,” Clarett said. “I feel like I’m headed in the right direction. I still have a lot to learn, but it’s coming.
“I make mistakes, but the other running backs like Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell help me. We’re all competing, but they’re helping me out, too.”
Clarett likely will see playing time in the second half of preseason games, at least early. The Broncos are loaded at tailback with Anderson, Bell, Ron Dayne and Quentin Griffin getting significant looks. Like Terrell Davis and Bell before him, Clarett likely will have to make his mark on special teams.
“Whatever it takes,” he said.
The Broncos wanted to see Clarett show more energy early in practice, but coach Mike Shanahan said Clarett is making progress. Clarett had his strongest day of practice last Wednesday before suffering the injury.
“He’s getting better, and that’s what you want to see from a young guy,” Shanahan said. “All of this is new to these rookies, so it’ll take time.”
For the 5-foot-11, 234-pound Clarett, it’s all about patience.
“Really, I’m just happy to be playing again,” Clarett said. “I’m wearing a Denver Broncos helmet and that what’s important right now.”
Staff writer Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
