Denver Native (Carol)
06-02-2009, 06:51 PM
http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=334&storyID=9075
Also, on above link, you can hear Spencer speaking today to the press
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- In the modern-day NFL, you'd be hard-pressed to find a player more versatile than Spencer Larsen.
Larsen, who enters his second season with the Broncos can best be labeled as a "jack of all trades."
In his rookie campaign with the Broncos in 2008, Larsen's flexibility quickly became evident. During training camp, Larsen altered between linebacker and fullback. With the Broncos convinced he could play both roles, Larsen played both sides of the ball during the regular season, all the while being recognized as one of the orange and blue's top-notch special teams players.
Just how unique of a player is Larsen? In Week 11, the Broncos' 24-20 win at Atlanta on Nov. 16 -- just 10 games into his pro career -- he became the first Bronco in franchise history to start on both offense and defense, in the same game nonetheless.
Now, Head Coach Josh McDaniels and his staff are asking the 25-year-old to reprise his role from last season. Speaking with media members at Dove Valley on Tuesday afternoon, Larsen said he is comfortable with continuing to be a two-way player.
"That (McDaniels) was able to look at last year and decide to keep me on and give me a chance is exciting," he said. "Whatever they have me do, I'm excited about it and I'll do my best with it."
For any player, grasping a new coach's system takes time, regardless of position. But Larsen must learn new terminology for all three phases of the game, making his life at Dove Valley a bit hectic this offseason.
A typical day for Larsen starts by meeting with linebackers coach Don Martindale and his defensive counterparts. Then he meets with running backs coach Bobby Turner and the rest of the tailbacks. Later, Larsen is filled in about what he missed from the other side of the ball.
"They both give me as much information as they think I can handle," Larsen said of his coaches.
Once back home, Larsen -- playbook in hand -- continues to study the array of new systems he is learning. Admittedly, he has felt like a rookie at times this offseason.
"I pick up one book and get as much as I can out of it and then get the other one and get as much as I can out of it and go like that day in and day out," Larsen said.
Currently, Larsen -- who has played inside linebacker during offseason camps -- says he is adapting quickest on the defensive side of the ball because it is a position he has played his entire career. However, the hybrid player believes he is making progress at fullback and on special teams as well.
"You just do it the best you can and that's all they really expect out of me," he said of the coaching staff. "I'm just trying to get as comfortable as I can in both positions -- that's my main goal."
Despite contributing in so many roles, Larsen doesn't feel multiple duties are hurting his overall production. And he doesn't believe he is being overworked either, citing that he is getting as many reps as the rest of his teammates during practice.
"The coaches, they look and see what you can handle and what you can't. And once you can't, they cut it back," he said. "They've been doing this for a long time and know what a player can take. I haven't felt like I've gotten spread out."
Also, on above link, you can hear Spencer speaking today to the press
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- In the modern-day NFL, you'd be hard-pressed to find a player more versatile than Spencer Larsen.
Larsen, who enters his second season with the Broncos can best be labeled as a "jack of all trades."
In his rookie campaign with the Broncos in 2008, Larsen's flexibility quickly became evident. During training camp, Larsen altered between linebacker and fullback. With the Broncos convinced he could play both roles, Larsen played both sides of the ball during the regular season, all the while being recognized as one of the orange and blue's top-notch special teams players.
Just how unique of a player is Larsen? In Week 11, the Broncos' 24-20 win at Atlanta on Nov. 16 -- just 10 games into his pro career -- he became the first Bronco in franchise history to start on both offense and defense, in the same game nonetheless.
Now, Head Coach Josh McDaniels and his staff are asking the 25-year-old to reprise his role from last season. Speaking with media members at Dove Valley on Tuesday afternoon, Larsen said he is comfortable with continuing to be a two-way player.
"That (McDaniels) was able to look at last year and decide to keep me on and give me a chance is exciting," he said. "Whatever they have me do, I'm excited about it and I'll do my best with it."
For any player, grasping a new coach's system takes time, regardless of position. But Larsen must learn new terminology for all three phases of the game, making his life at Dove Valley a bit hectic this offseason.
A typical day for Larsen starts by meeting with linebackers coach Don Martindale and his defensive counterparts. Then he meets with running backs coach Bobby Turner and the rest of the tailbacks. Later, Larsen is filled in about what he missed from the other side of the ball.
"They both give me as much information as they think I can handle," Larsen said of his coaches.
Once back home, Larsen -- playbook in hand -- continues to study the array of new systems he is learning. Admittedly, he has felt like a rookie at times this offseason.
"I pick up one book and get as much as I can out of it and then get the other one and get as much as I can out of it and go like that day in and day out," Larsen said.
Currently, Larsen -- who has played inside linebacker during offseason camps -- says he is adapting quickest on the defensive side of the ball because it is a position he has played his entire career. However, the hybrid player believes he is making progress at fullback and on special teams as well.
"You just do it the best you can and that's all they really expect out of me," he said of the coaching staff. "I'm just trying to get as comfortable as I can in both positions -- that's my main goal."
Despite contributing in so many roles, Larsen doesn't feel multiple duties are hurting his overall production. And he doesn't believe he is being overworked either, citing that he is getting as many reps as the rest of his teammates during practice.
"The coaches, they look and see what you can handle and what you can't. And once you can't, they cut it back," he said. "They've been doing this for a long time and know what a player can take. I haven't felt like I've gotten spread out."