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 Rookie defensive tackle Marcus Thomas joined the Broncos as a fourth-round draft pick after playing his college ball at Florida.
Through his first seven NFL games, he has amassed 13 tackles (seven solo) and he snagged his first career interception in the home opener against Oakland.
Thomas has worked his way up the depth chart and now finds himself as one of the Broncos' starting defensive tackles, and he sat down Friday to take questions from fans.
Do you feel it has helped you through the rookie learning curve by having some of your Florida Gators teammates with you here on the Broncos?
Daryl Rohr
Daytona Beach, Fla.
That was the best situation for me, just to be comfortable with my other teammates and everything, just because I've already been with (Jarvis) Moss. It made it a lot easier to adjust because I had somebody to talk to.
What do you like best about being in Denver?
Dan
Racine, Wis.
The fans. The atmosphere is like Gainesville again, and I really enjoy it.
Which defensive tackle, past or present, do you idolize or try to pattern your game after?
Roger Cardoza
Edwards, Colo.
I guess I'd say Warren Sapp and Gerard Warren.
Who has been the toughest offensive lineman you have gone up against so far this season?
Keith Smith
Spring Creek, Nev.
I don't know. They were all pretty much the same.
Does it feel strange to be on the same team as Jay Cutler after you chased him around for so many years in the SEC?
Bob Johnson
Colorado Springs, Colo.
Oh yeah, we joked about it a little bit when I first got here. It was kind of fun, but I'm glad to have him on my team.
I am curious if you will ever do a backflip after getting a sack? I think you should; it would really make the highlights!
James Sampson
Virginia Beach, Va.
Oh man, if I do that, I won't be able to play the rest of the game.
How did it feel to be selected by the Denver Broncos in the draft?
Robert Z.
Milwaukee, Wis.
Just relieved. I thought I wasn't even going to get drafted, so that was a nice thing.
Did you have any idea that you would be a starter at defensive tackle in your very first year as a Bronco?
Sandy White
Topeka, Kan.
No, not at all. Especially at the beginning, because I was really not how I was, (compared) to how I am now. It was real hard to adjust.
At your position, what has been the most difficult transition from college ball to pro ball?
Mike Eggert
Kearney, Neb.
Just basically meeting time, and just being able to stay focused, watching film and stuff.
Reflecting on the experiences you've had this year, what kind of things will you work on in the offseason to become a dominant tackle in the NFL?
Peter Stabolepszy
Grand Junction, Colo.
Just basically be more film-oriented, be more of a student of the game, so I can know everything that happens before it happens.
Where do you see yourself three years from now compared to other defensive tackles in the league?
Jim Allen
Reno, Nev.
Three years from now, I hope to be doing a lot of good things. Hopefully have some Super Bowl rings, just basically anything a tackle in my position would want to be.
How different is it living in Denver than Florida? What has the transition been like?
Stephanie Thompson
Carrolton, Texas
The only (difference), I can say, is not having to go to class. That's cool.
Knowing that you had first-round talent, how hard was it to see the early rounds of the draft go by and not have your name called?
Derek Baird
Tucson, Ariz.
It was real hard, just waiting and everything. Then when the second day came, I had pretty much given up until they gave me that call.
What is your relationship like with Head Coach Mike Shanahan?
Joshua
Honolulu, Hawaii
It's a good relationship. I'm happy that he trusts and believes in me, so it's basically me not letting him down. He believes in me, so it's a very good relationship.
(source: DenverBroncos.com) |
