The Denver Broncos wore “shells” on Monday morning for the first time this season as the team completed its fourth day of training camp. As players continue to fully adjust into the flow of the season, Monday’s practice brought with it an added anticipation of real football.
After missing last season while recovering from a torn ACL suffered in his last college game, tight end Jake Butt entered training camp healthy and ready to compete in 2018.
Speaking to Eric Goodman & Les Shapiro of Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7, Jake Butt talked about his excitement on returning to the football field.
“Football is fun, every aspect of it, but there’s no substitute to getting out there and competing,” Butt said. “Today we got to add another dimension, throwing on the pads, and really competing with some hitting.”
As has been the talk throughout the offseason, quarterback Case Keenum‘s presence is invaluable for the Broncos. Aside from his talent on the field, Keenum’s approach to practice and preparation this offseason is evident throughout the locker room.
“Case has been doing a great job and we’re just excited to have him,” Butt said. “You can just tell he’s a pro’s pro, the way he comes in here every day. He’s the first guy in, last guy out mentality. The way he prepares, it kind of rubs off on all of us. We know he’s on his stuff, so it’s our job to be on top of our stuff.”
Though Butt was able to return to practice in the middle of last season, this training camp offers him a chance to prove he can compete with other tight ends and excel in the NFL. Butt says that competition has only improved the tight ends’ play in training camp thus far.
“My job is to be the best tight end that I can be and when the opportunities come my way, make the most of them,” Butt said. “I think everyone in our group really wants to be the starter, really wants opportunities and man, we’ve got a talented room. We’re pushing each other every day and the competition’s just making us better.”
Sorry – this audio content is no longer available., including what he had to say about the offense’s emphasis on red-zone production early in training camp.
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