Broncos wide receiver Kevin Kasper takes one in the ribs from quarterback Brian Griese during the morning practice at the UNC practice fields. Jim Rydbom / Greeley Tribune

He knows a portable spa, or a half-dozen boxes of vitamin supplements arent the answer for a rookie sixth-round draft choice, though.

Therefore, Kasper is going about his business the same way he always has via old-fashioned work habits.

Its no surprise that its not just his blond hair and blue eyes that are turning heads as Kasper continues his bid to become a member of the Denver Broncos.

Its been a pretty fast grind, said Kasper, who just came out of the University of Iowa. Every play, you have to lay it on the line. Kasper is laying it on the line on more than every play.

Hes studying every move of veterans Ed McCaffrey and Rod Smith. You see, Kasper knows how to sell himself. He has a marketing degree, which he figures can be put to good use on the football field.

Im watching everything they do and studying how they conduct themselves both on and off the field, the 6-foot, 193 pound Kasper said.

While McCaffrey and Smith are great examples for the rookie, theyre also impressed with his ability.

There are some guys that are definitely being noticed, and hes one of them, McCaffrey said.

Kasper is one of at least three wide receivers vying for two open spots on the roster at that position, leaving his odds about even. His prime competition is coming from six-year veteran Eddie Kennison and five-year veteran Keith Poole.

Yet, the Ilinois native doesnt worry too much about the numbers game. Its a scheme he developed as a walk-on at Iowa, eventually earning a fullride scholarship en route to earning All-Big 10 Conference honors while hauling in a school-record 82 catches for 1,010 yards and seven touchdowns his senior season.

There are a few similarities to the situation, but this is a lot faster pace and the play calling is a big difference, Kasper said. The competition is greater too.

You never want to slack off, he added.

He hasnt, having yet to drop a catchable pass in four days of preseason workouts on the University of Northern Colorado west campus fields.

For four straight days, Kasper has literally eaten and slept football. Actually, he said, Id like to get some sleep.

You eat, sleep and think football all of the time, he added. But remember, I came from Iowa, where its big-time football, but here its crazy.

From absorbing Denvers complex offense, to the Broncos crazies on the sidelines, even at training camp workouts.

The kids and all the autographs I appreciate them, but when Im playing, I lock them out, Kasper said.

Wide receivers coach Karl Dorrell hasnt had a hard time noticing Kasper and his talent, but warned he has to comprehend the offense, and thats hard for any first-year player.

Hes a talented kid who works hard and I think he definitely has a future in this game, Dorrell added.

Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan echoed Dorrells thoughts on the teams talented rookie.

Hes done a great job every step of the way, Shanahan said. Hes picked up a lot, but he still has to compete with the rest of the guys and sometimes thats hard to do, being a rookie.

Rookie or not, Kasper plans to continue his pace and not worry about any numbers game.