Pros like Maroney's potential
Posted on Sun, Feb. 26, 2006
[size=18px]Pros like Maroney's potential[/size]
BY SEAN JENSEN
Pioneer Press
INDIANAPOLIS  A strained left hamstring ended Gophers running back Laurence Maroney's plan to run at the NFL combine.
But his mind is racing as he soaks in the atmosphere at the combine, where he is trumpeted as a sure first-round selection.
Asked if he can believe that he's on the verge of playing in the NFL, Maroney said, "No, not really. Everything's happened so fast."
That's fitting, because Maroney's rare combination of speed and size  he was measured at 5 feet 11 and weighed 217 pounds  has him highly regarded.
Baltimore Ravens running backs coach Tony Nathan said Maroney's combination of size, speed and quickness make him unusual.
"It's not every day that they come that size, and can run as fast as the smaller ones do," said Nathan, who played nine seasons at that position for the Miami Dolphins. "So right now, he's pretty much an exception."
Added Detroit Lions running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery on Maroney, "He's got a big-time future in this league."
Maroney said he has come a long way from Normandy High School in St. Louis.
"I felt I had to work twice as hard as the next guy because it's not a football school and a lot of colleges don't look at Normandy, so I feel I had to do twice as much as the next person," he said. "It was a struggle getting to college. But after that I was able to show off my abilities, especially as a junior when I was by myself (without Marion Barber III)."
But Maroney, who had to share the limelight in 2005 with Gary Russell, is again in a crowded backfield. Other top rookies in the upcoming NFL class include Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush from Southern Cal, USC workhorse LenDale White and Memphis' DeAngelo Williams.
Asked where he thinks he will be picked, Maroney said, "I really don't know because we have a lot of great backs coming out after Reggie Bush.
Right now, there's no telling where I will get picked."
And what if Maroney is still around for the 17th pick, which belongs to the Vikings?
"I feel that would be a good place for me, knowing they're trying to get a new stadium," Maroney said. "That would probably help a lot for publicity, and I feel I got home-field advantage there.
"I played there all three years, and I know all the ins and outs of their field," Maroney said of the Metrodome. "I feel that would be a good opportunity. But I feel I can play anywhere."
Maroney visited with the Vikings on Thursday and interviewed with them Friday.
For the Vikings to draft Maroney, he likely would have to prove that his pass-receiving skills are not suspect. He caught only 15 passes last season for the run-oriented Gophers.
"That was one of the major things guys wanted to see," Maroney said of NFL scouts. "It wasn't that the RBs couldn't catch; it just wasn't a part of our package. We were just used specifically for running."
Maroney said he worked on catching and blocking at a workout facility in Arizona. He will run at the Gophers' Pro Day on March 6.
As for any concerns about always sharing the spotlight, Maroney said there's also a huge upside to his backfield partnerships.
"It helped me out a lot, even though this year I split time with Gary Russell," Maroney said. "It helps you out because you don't have a lot of wear and tear on your body."
Sean Jensen can be reached at [email protected]
Pros like Maroney's potential
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
idk i saw him play when they played the bucks and he didnt look very special. i just think that if he there and so is deangalo we should get deangolo
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
Maroney visited with the Vikings on Thursday and interviewed with them Friday
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Let's get him
I love his combo of speed, strength, and size too.. He seriously reminds me of Edge by his looks and his style of play.. He only caught 15 balls out of the backfield cuz it was a run oriented offense.. He can do it.. He has also been working on it. I think he would fit this offense perfect
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
"mr.woo" wrote:
Quote:
idk i saw him play when they played the bucks and he didnt look very special. i just think that if he there and so is deangalo we should get deangolo
Yah, he did have an off game then..
Your right about this too..
DeAngelo>Maroney>Lendale
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
"SKOL" wrote:
:lol: I just noticed my title changed from P.P.O. Newsman to P.P.O. Anchorman.
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
Quote:
Baltimore Ravens running backs coach Tony Nathan said Maroney's combination of size, speed and quickness make him unusual.
is unusual good or bad?
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
"singersp" wrote:
Quote:
"SKOL" wrote:
:lol: I just noticed my title changed from P.P.O. Newsman to P.P.O. Anchorman.
I guess that makes your name Steve No Burgundy! :grin:
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
I have it on good authority that Maroney has been working on his catching out of the backfield with highly regarded WR coach, Vikez4Lyfe! The E-Town wideout specialist has been said to have improved the receiving skill sets of several well-known players, including coreychavous21 and SamDawg. :lol:
Re: Pros like Maroney's potential
"mr.woo" wrote:
Quote:
idk i saw him play when they played the bucks and he didnt look very special. i just think that if he there and so is deangalo we should get deangolo
Who the HELL are the bucks?
