Through the better part of three decades as a collegiate head coach, Steve Spurrier has instructed his share of talented wide receivers.
From his 12-year tenure at Florida and on through his current post at South Carolina, Spurrier has worked with a number of NFL-caliber wide outs in the Southeastern Conference — thirteen-year NFL veteran Ike Hilliard, Minnesota Vikings 2007 draft pick Sidney Rice and first-year Bronco Jabar Gaffney are a few names that come to mind.
Yet, Spurrier has labeled a different individual as the “best wide receiver I’ve ever coached.” The ol’ ball coach has given that distinct honor to Broncos fifth round draft pick Kenny McKinley.
“I really appreciate Coach Spurrier and look up to him. Those comments coming from him, with all the people that he has coached, is a big statement,” McKinley said at his post-draft press conference. “When I heard that he said that it really got to me because he got me to where I am today coming from playing QB in high school to being a pretty good receiver playing in the NFL for the Denver Broncos.”
That’s right, McKinley was a dual-threat quarterback — not a wide receiver — during his high school days in Austell, Ga. He threw for nearly 1,500 yards and rushed for another 750 as a senior at South Cobb High School.
Still, McKinley was unsure of what his role would be at the collegiate level. Poised with great athleticism and speed, the University of Georgia extended an offer his way to play cornerback. Eventually, he committed to South Carolina despite being unsure of how he would fit in with the Gamecocks.
That all changed, however, when Spurrier was hired as head coach before his freshman year. Spurrier, well-known for his creative offensive mind, quickly found McKinley a spot on the field suited for his game — at receiver.
The position fit McKinley like a glove. In four seasons with the Gamecocks, the 6-0, 189-pound wideout set school records for receptions with 207 and receiving yards with 2,781, surpassing marks set by South Carolina alum Sterling Sharpe. Those numbers put him in elite company in SEC history, too. The Mableton, Ga. native is one of only five players in league history with over 200 career receptions and is one of only 12 players in conference annals to amass more than 2,700 receiving yards.
In search of a versatile receiver to fit Head Coach Josh McDaniels’ offensive scheme, Broncos brass traded up eight spots in April’s draft to nab McKinley in the fifth round. If McKinley’s transition to the NFL is anywhere close to his jump from high school to the college game, the Broncos will have a draft-day steal on their hands.
“He can really run and he’s got very good hands,” McDaniels said. “He’s a guy that can play more than one spot in the receiver alignments. Adding a player that has sub 4.4 speed, I think anytime you add a skill player with that kind of speed, it’s a good thing and you’ve gotten faster.”
McKinley believes playing against other NFL-ready talent in a top-notch conference such as the SEC helped him prepare for the pro game.
“I always say there are only two leagues — the NFL and the SEC,” McKinley joked.
Like many of his rookie teammates, McKinley has received a crash course on NFL life during three months of offseason workouts at Dove Valley. But he credits his wide receiver counterparts for easing his learning curve.
From the moment he arrived at team headquarters, McKinley has formed a bond with another Spurrier product, Gaffney. The two frequently reminisce about playing for Spurrier, but Gaffney — who played in McDaniels’ offensive system in New England — also is a convenient outlet for McKinley when he has a question pertaining to the playbook. McKinley is leaning on his other receiving counterparts, too. Veteran Brandon Stokley is always around to give him route running tips. If he has a broad question related to the shift from college to the professional ranks, McKinley looks for guidance from Eddie Royal, who went through the same changeover as a rookie last season.
All those conversations have made him more at ease with his new surroundings.
“I feel 85 percent better,” McKinley said of how much more comfortable he is now compared to before the start of the team’s first minicamp. “When I first got here, I didn’t know what to expect or know any of the plays or anything. Now I’ve got a pretty good grasp of the offense.”
With OTAs behind them, players have a month to themselves until the start of training camp. McKinley plans to use that time to dedicate himself to strength and conditioning coach Rich Tuten’s workout regimen on a daily basis — all in hopes of making a lasting impression on the coaching staff when the Broncos get down to business in late July.
“I think training camp is when you separate yourself from other guys on the team,” McKinley said. “I’m going to go out there and do my best, do whatever I can do to contribute to the team so I can get (on the field) this season.”
– Zach Eisendrath, DenverBroncos.com
i’m excited about this guy!
With Royal and Mckinley there should be great speed at wide receiver. Throw in a couple of big targets like Marshall and Gaffney and the best slot receiver in Stokley. Add the tight ends the Broncos have along with the stable of running backs and one of the best offensive lines in football.
I like the way this offense looks, hopefully the looks turn into production and wins.
Wow. McD must like the SEC. I didn’t notice he pulled this many kids from the SEC.
It’s not so much as McD liking the SEC as it is just how many talented players there are in the SEC. I’ve always said the SEC was the most talented conference in College Football
I was watching ESPN last night, NFL Live, and Chris Carter went and said that he believes Denver will finish in the bottom 5 in the NFL. His co-host, (didn’t get his name), said that Denver will finish dead last and get the #1 draft. What a couple of D-bags. I hope to see what they have to say when they are forced to eat crow. I love it that nobody is giving Denver a chance. Slide in under the radar and surprise everyone. Much the way the Dolphins did. Who would have thought? Or the Cardinals? On any given Sunday and Denver has too much talent not to better then projected. It’s just a matter of learning the book and gelling as a team. It seems that they are learning the book. Training camp and preseason will give them the chance to gel.
BrandonBailey19, agreed. They have systems installed throughout the SEC that are of NFL type caliber (almost). It makes the transition to the NFL much easier. I hope McKinley burns up the field. Such great talent and speed. If Marshall somehow, someway, doesn’t play, then look for McKinley and Gaffney to split time. With the speed of McKinley and Royal on the field (as beefdirkus mentioned) and all of the other targets Denver has at their disposal, what a scary thought for opposing defenses. Add the tremendous talent Denver has at RB and that will keep the defenses honest (and nervous).
Great post Zach!
I think it’s my favorite and the most thorough of yours, thus far. Keep it up brother!
It’s hard to imagine how any media source could possibly neglect to see the talent on our team, and that all that remains is the players cohesively learning the playbook and eachother (as mentioned). Which will not, IMHO take more than a season to fully develop… I believe as stated, as well, we’ll see it start being fully effective around, oh say, game 3 of pre-season….
I keep thinking I’ve already known/felt the peak of how excited I could be for a season to start, but it just keeps building!!!! Every day is a better day.
Great post Dynamicdave
Why we bloggers always acknowledge our teams great offense… dont forget about our defense. we got the best corner(Bailey), the most underrated LB(D.J.) a gifted undersized end(Dumervil) and a set of second year players who show a lot of GREAT POTENTIAL(Woodyard, Barret, Bell)
as for McKinley, he is a great talent and we are lucky to have got him in the 5th round. thats why im not concerned if Marshall gets traded because we may just have found a replacement…. oh yeah did i mention McKinley does not have a record of injuries or a record with the law unlike Marshall
Broncos!!!!!!!!
Most coaches like the SEC, because it’s filled with talent. The whole atmosphere down there is way more competitve then all those other ones. It’s like NFL light. McD wanted to bring in winners and I think that’s what he did when he drafted out of such a winning confrence in the SEC……….he could of drafted USC too …..lol
Yeah, I remember when all of us were hoping for USC players to get drafted by the Broncos. I wanted Maualuga. I never thought in a million years that we would have drafted a RB? Didn’t think it was a major need. But after Cutler was traded and Orton picked up, I thought it was an excellent choice to make it easier on Orton so he doesn’t have to try and carry the team.
well, if orton has the recievers and O-line he never had, he could prove himself ALMOST as good as jay cutler
true, cutler had more talent, and i’d been in denial about how good he was, but…now the AFC west is ORTON’S EMPIRE!!!
Ik this is a blog for other players but i found this video online that made me really wonder about how next season will go
its knowshawn highlight clips…Stafford might have gone number one to the lions but i think i found why he got so many open passing lanes X.X
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5Tvu9Cx9PQ I would honestly suggest fast forwarding it to 2:03 , unless you want to listen to all the stuff in the begining… Its pretty amazing what this kid can do, and i think he will take alot off the shoulders of orton.
do you think moreno will prove as good as LT or adrian Peterson? He should prove himself as good as willy parker though (*cough* cough* OVERRATED! *cough*)
i think he will be the next LT =-/ Hell i think he will be the next TD.
I agree with you guys about the offense being quicker than we’re used to. But I’ve been reading up on our defensive draft picks and I have to say that I like what I see. Plus there have been a few signings (like DL Baker (I think that was his name) and the former marine whose name slips my mind at the moment) that have got me cautiously optimistic. But our defense can’t possibly be any worse than they were last year. I mean, they absolutely have to be better, right? It’s funny how everyone clowns us in the media, but to me that’s just taking the easy way out. Because EVERYONE is doing it. Sure, trading Cutler wasn’t the most obvious move that you or I would have made to begin our coaching career, but at least we’ve put an emphasis on team oriented high character football players. I can only hope it all equals a more consistant football team. And a better defense. Maybe even one reminiscent of the Wilson, Gold, Mobley days! And I know it’s very old news, but why did we get rid of Trevor Pryce all those years ago?
eeerocksi i agree why did we get rid of Trevor Pryce?
I too wanted Maualuga, but now I’d rather have KM and Orton then Maualuga and Orton. I don’t see how KM can’t be succesful this year. lol
Hey WELCOME back DynamicDave good to see you blogging hear again.
Kenny could be like a Eddie Royal player. Agility, Agility, AGILITY!
Dynamicdave: I also listened to Chris Carter and his sidekick slam the Broncos yesteday evening on NFL Live. They originally were talking about the Lions and if they would be selecting first again next year. Out of nowhere they start slamming the Broncos!!
I was another fan who was pulling for Maualuga, but glad things worked out the way they did. Moreno will bring alot of excitement to the offensive with his smart play and dynamic moves!
Man I hate it when people rag on the broncos and saying they will suck, we will surprise a lot of teams this year.
DynamicDave, nice to see you blogging here again.
Hey, look at this young wide out potential in a late round pick. Remind you of anyone? All the best wide outs. I love it.
I am super fired up about our team. I know these guys are going to play with heart and passion. It is coming from the top (Mcdaniels) down through the Team.
Orange Crush the Skeptics in 2009!!!!!!!!!!
I think everyone will be impressed with Orton. This guy is NOT a scrub. He had the luxury of having a GREAT defense in CHI, but he can throw the ball. The system dictates a QB’s success every bit as much as raw talent. Jay had a TON of supposed “talent” but he also worked in one of the greatest coaches of all-time’s offense (we miss you Shanny). McD has PROVEN that his system can be a force with a GREAT QB, but it can be still be effective with a GOOD qb. We will for sure be a top 10 offense and hopefully at LEAST a middle of the road defense. That right there = playoffs as far as I can see……..
Wow. I’m watching NFL live right now and Carter is bashing us as I type. He said he’s “heard” that denver is going to trade Marshall. I’m really starting to hate these experts.
That is exactly why I don’t watch or listen to that crap… that’s all it ever is especially when it comes to the Broncos. All they do is trash talk the Broncos and I can’t stand it. Yeah we had some rough times this offseason but if I can get past it surely they can.
think of it this way… they spend all their time trash talking us b/c their jealous and still peeved that Elway stayed with us for as long as he did, he was by far one of the best (if not THE best) thing that ever happened to this team and they all wish their favorite team could’ve had him take them to back to back SBs. They’re just a bunch of jealous old farts who have nothing better to do… if anything laugh at them not with them, they have no clue what our season will be like so they can just eat their words!!! Just because they have their “prime time” on NFLN doesn’t mean they know EVERYTHING!!!! What they say is simply THEIR opinion not ours… we know better. I will occasionally go on nfl.com but I don’t believe anything they say or what I read till I see it on this site. That way I know I’m not wasting my time reading/listening to a bunch of bull.
I’m really interested to see what McDenver does… I hope he can make this a great football team but it will take time. The improvements we need won’t happen overnight… they have got to work as a TEAM, that’s all there is to it. Once they get that down, offense holds on to the ball & scores TDs and defense forces fumbles… everything else will just fall into place. Only time will tell.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Cooper put up another post with a pick of 07Elway in it, link at top of screen.
DynamicDave does know his stuff, he lives in Vegas. HI neighbor.
07Elway is right. She has ripped apart many network pundits that took too many hits to the head.
My take on the talking heads is that they are running their mouth like the play book. Just read what is on the idiot screen. Remember, no coach in his right mind would trade Jay Cutler!!!
EXCEPT the AP Sports News: Denver Broncos – Losing Jay Cutler and his Jeff George-like stats may do this team more good than harm, since Cutler seems to lack true leadership ability. People forget, the humble Kyle Orton was a great spread offense player and leader at Purdue.
For the blogger above; DL Chris Baker is out of Hampton and the ‘experts’ deemed him a liability. The other player is Everrett Pedescleaux a DE. IMO Baker makes the roration on the DL and E-Peds goes to the PS.
Carter needs to do his research before he makes these bone head comments. Yesterday the subject was who will have next years first pick in the draft. Carter said not the Lions, but the Broncos. If he knew anything he would have realised that we traded away our pick next year, and have Chicago’s pick. So for us to have the first pick in the draft Chicago will have to finish last. Way to go Chris Carter you thought you were bashing the Broncos, but it was really the Bears…dumb a$$!
This guy sounds impressive. i am surprised he slipped past soo many but so did Bmarsh and look at the talent he has shown us. As a 5th rounder he prolly feels like he has alot to prove and that drive and hunger is what Im praying will take him far. If we are to keep 5 wideouts I vote for – Bmarsh, Royal, Stokely, Mckinley and Jabar…In that order.
I don’t blame the ESPN analyst. From the outside looking in, we look like a train wreck and I gotta agree. Only difference between them and fans is we pay more attention to our team, we see the flashes of brilliance in our ranks. Im not saying we will go to the superbowl, I think we will be .500 but I am praying we do great and shock alot. Not a fan of the shanny firing and cutler and Bmarsh debucle because I think we would have been better with them but no need crying over something out of your control.
ORANGE CRUSH ALL DAY!!
GO BRONCOS!!!
Bronco-blaze, yeah, KM is the real deal. Defenses beware. Oakland thinks they will have the best backfield in the division? Heck, the NFL? Watch out for Denver’s. KM, Torain (if healthy and sticks), Bucky, Jordan, maybe Walker (I don’t think Willis will stick). Also, we have one of the best up and coming FB’s to play in Denver since Griffith. Our backfield is loaded for bear.
eeerockski, the Marine you were thinking of is Rulon Davis.
royalbroncofan1, yeah, I wanted to reach through the TV screen and strangle the both of them.
HomeTeam007, thanks, good to be back. I just mentioned that our backfield is loaded for bear. WR corp is looking pretty strong also, with or without Brandon. McKinley is, like KM, going to be the real deal.
florio’s_mom, yeah, it’s amazing that they actually PAY these people for giving nothing more then an opinion? I must have missed something in their logic, because frankly, their opinion stinks. Carter is in the Denver Bronco fan base doghouse. Better never have to broadcast a game in Denver, Chris. If you do, better hope it’s not snowing. Snowballs aplenty.
07elway, the bloggers didn’t lie. You’re a babes. Mega-babes, babe-a-licious. (Waynes World). You weren’t lucky, Stokley was.
Hey Dan, what’s up?
rebelbronco, actually, it was Carters sidekick that said Denver will be getting the 1st draft pick. Carter said at least in the top 5. Still a jerk though. They need to slow down on them Jager shots. It tends to create delusional thoughts.
Haha funny dave, what up, have you checked out the new 07Elway pick, link top of screen.
Hey, Aussie, yeah, I saw it. Even posted to it. Just wanted to let her know that if she’s ever in Vegas (alone)…. Hey REMEMBER, what happens in Vegas………. ends up on the Internet, ha, ha. (jk)
hey guys just recently signed up but been following for awhile but i do like what McD is doing but i wish that they would of gotten the saftey moore out of mizzou in the draft, i cant find or see a hole lot about McBath but im also excited for the next season
Always good to get new faces, welcome aboard.
Welcome Invesco_Love. A little bit about McBath. For the sake of not having to type his college career, here is a bio from this site on him:
2006: McBath earned a All-Big 12 second-team selection after converting to safety from cornerback to start the season… Placed third on the team with 75 tackles (35 solo) while adding three interceptions as a 13-game starter… Made his first career start vs. Southern Methodist (9/2) after converting from cornerback… Recorded the first and second interceptions of his career at Texas-El Paso (9/9) in only his second career game at free safety, finishing second on the team in tackles with eight and pacing the Red Raider defense with five solo stops… Closed the regular season with five tackles and recorded his team-leading third interception late in the fourth quarter vs. Oklahoma State (11/18).
2007: All-Big 12 Conference Honorable Mention as a junior after starting all 13 games and placing third on the Red Raiders with 73 tackles (48 solo)… Had two interceptions (10 yds.) and eight pass breakups… Added two solo tackles and intercepted his first pass of the season in the third quarter vs. Northwestern State (9/29)… Recovered his first fumble of the season, returning it 16 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter vs. Iowa State (10/6)… Placed second on the defense with 10 tackles (6 solo) and a pass defensed vs. Texas A&M (10/13)… Tied for the team lead with 10 tackles (8 solo) at Texas (11/10).
2008: McBath started all 12 games, totaling 75 tackles (55 solo), seven interceptions (97 yds.), two interceptions returned for scores and seven passes defensed… Returned an interception vs. Massachusetts (9/20) for a 45-yard touchdown before bringing back an interception 45 yards for a score in the Cotton Bowl vs. Mississippi (1/2)… Registered a school-record three interceptions at Kansas (10/25).
From all of this I feel it is apparent that he is a ball hawk and not afraid to hit. Look at all the solo tackles he’s made. He also played CB so he is versatile. He will also help on ST.
Wow looks like Dynamicdave will give Monodono a run for his money on posting stats and info on players etc whenever he comes back on here. Oh this ought to be good!!
Hey welcome Invesco_Love… just a warning be prepared for anything on here. This is one crazy fun-loving group… wait till the season comes along, lol man I can’t wait.
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
Now that the Broncos have this stud in McKinley, as well as Eddie Royal, Brandon Marshall (yes, he’ll be expected in camp, Broncos management was quite clear on that Tuesday), Tony Scheffler, Peyton Hillis AND an efficient quarterback in Orton, I fully expect Chargers, Raiders and Chiefs fans to begin crapping their pants. GO BRONCOS!!!
07elway, did you read my articles at bleacher Report? Here’s a link. They’re my 1st 2 articles so go easy on me.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/204009-denver-broncos-and-brandon-marshall-to-be-continued
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/207496-denver-broncos-tight-ends-how-will-they-fit-in
Aloha Everyone, Hey DynamicDave I believe the guy who you are talking about is James Hasty who played conerback for the Eagles. I am very pumped about this season and can’t wait. Kenny Mckinley came in at a great time when he could be mentored not only by the great coaching, But also by great players. I believe he will excell in the NFL and become one of the greats for us. Mahalo & GOD bless.
Broncoboy6, yeah, I believe it was hasty, the fool has us dead last in the NFL. I swear, we need to sent him a dead crow dinner at the end of the season.
I should get in the habit of spell checking. I butchered that last post. Meant “Hasty. The fool….”, not “hasty, the fool…..” Meant “send”, not “sent.” Time to go to bed and rest, ha, ha.
Wild cat!
Someone made a comment yesterday that Orton had a GREAT defense last year in Chicago, however this is not true for LAST year. The Bears usually do have a very good defense, but they came out ranked 21st in the league last year. Not a great defensive year for them. This only makes what Orton did last year even more impressive. He should have an even better year this year with all the offensive talent around him in Denver and what seems to be an improved defense with changing to the 3-4, new talent and new DC Nolan. Here’s a link to the 2008 defense stats if anyone is interested.
http://www.nfl.com/stats/categorystats?tabSeq=2&defensiveStatisticCategory=GAME_STATS&conference=ALL&role=OPP&season=2008&seasonType=REG&d-447263-s=TOTAL_YARDS_GAME_AVG&d-447263-o=1&d-447263-n=1
Our division was the worst in the league in defense holding 4 of the last 8 spots in the league. We can only get better right? lol! Well, I don’t care about the others, just hope the Broncos do!
Agreed. I saw on some other sites, where people were bagging on Orton because they claimed that Orton had a great D behind him to help? I repeatingly have said that Orton played with a team with a slipping D but they seemed to pass right over that part. Selective reading by people who just want to make a useless point, ha, ha.
florio’s_mom …. are you Frakking serious?! That is an awesome screen name.
As a faithful PFT reader/poster I simply had to tip my cap to that one.
Now we are losing Brandon Marshall??First Cutler, This was the worst decision Pat Bowlen ever made,PATHETIC….. Espn says we will be as bad a Detroit last year and I believe em, thanks Josh Mcdaniels…. thanks alot
Dynamicdave – I haven’t read your articles yet but now that you gave me the links it will save the trouble of having to search for them for like 2 hours!! Thanks. And you want me to go easy on you and your articles?? Psh, we’ll see about that!
And I love watching the NFLN and ESPN when I get the chance but no point in watching something knowing it will make you mad. So I don’t even go there, the only reason I know they say we’ll be dead last is its very typical of them to say stuff like that, they always do. Even when we’ve had alot going for us they still talk down about us and this team… they’re not worth listening to if that’s all they have to say. They’re just a waste of fresh air!!
With faith…
GO BRONCOS in ’09!!!!
del30: You can’t believe everything you hear from ESPN. A lot of the comments they say are soley based on the opinion that they don’t like that McDaniels traded Jay Cutler. They’re upset that the Broncos traded a Pro Bowl QB for a not Pro Bowl QB. I can guarentee that everything stems from trading Jay Cutler. All the sports writers and crap, they don’t talk about the positive things that are happening on the team only the negative things happening..because we traded Jay Cutler. To some of those sports analysists, we have global warming, high gas prices, and we are in a recession..because we traded Jay Cutler. Don’t give into that crap that comes out of their mouths. Stand up and be a proud fan, no matter what they say.
del30, please keep in mind that the Marshall thing has nothing to do with McD. It is between Bowlen and Marshall. I also believe it is mostly Marshalls fault for this stalemate. Asking for money, unconditionally? Not happening Brandon. But this isn’t on McD.