Some old Colorado football fans are about to feel older.
Matt Russell is already a veteran NFL scout for going on eight seasons. Wasn’t it just yesterday he was an All-America inside linebacker for the University of Colorado Buffaloes?
“If it makes you feel any better, I read the press release today and I saw how old I was and I go: ‘I’m 35?’ ” Russell said. “It flies.”
Russell, who has maintained a home in Louisville since his CU days ended with the Butkus Award as the nation’s top linebacker in 1996, was officially named Thursday as the Broncos’ director of college scouting.
Since back-to-back, season- ending knee injuries while playing for the Detroit Lions in 1998 and 1999 ended his NFL career, Russell has taken a rarely traveled path.
Why scouting?
“This has always been a hobby of mine,” he said, adding he read recruiting magazines — not the Internet — even as a kid. “Once the draft came in on ESPN, I always followed it and knew the top players in the country. I don’t know, it’s always been a passion for me.”
Loyal teammate.
Broncos rookie safety Darcel McBath, taken in the second round of the draft Saturday, heard how the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported the Browns were unimpressed with former Texas Tech teammate Michael Crabtree during a personal visit. Texas Tech coach Michael Leach blamed Browns coach Eric Mangini for smearing wide receiver Crabtree’s reputation.
Crabtree “fell” to the No. 10 overall pick where he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers.
“He never had the diva mentality with me, that’s all I know,” McBath said. “He’s a hard worker and gives you 100 percent every day.”
Footnotes.
How much confidence does the Broncos’ new coaching staff have in holdover kicker Matt Prater? They have yet to sign a backup, although undrafted rookie punter Britton Colquitt could share some place-kicking reps during the mini-camps. . . .
The undrafted rookie who has perhaps the best chance of sticking with the varsity roster? Hampton nose tackle Chris Baker. He’s 326 pounds, and the Broncos gave him the equivalent of a midround draft grade.
Mike Klis, The Denver Post
