Broncos' Kasper tries new approach

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Stuart Wong The Gazette Receiver Kevin Kasper, now in his second season with Denver, says he is better prepared for the rigors of training camp now than when he was a rookie.

[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]By Kamon Simpson The Gazette

[an error occurred while processing this directive][an error occurred while processing this directive]GREELEY - Kevin Kasper still has the ability to dazzle.

During a Friday morning practice at Denver Broncos training camp, the second-year receiver looked like he was auditioning for the lead role in the "Lynn Swann Story", making a gravity-defying, ballet-inspired grab of a pass against cornerback Deltha O'Neal.

But when Kasper made such plays last year at this time, when he went into the air for one outrageous catch after another, everyone held their breath and waited for the crash landing. Most rookies hit a hump sooner or later in training camp, and never quite live up to the pace they set when they first arrive.

Kasper was no exception. Now a year older, a season wiser, and even more physically prepared than he was coming out of college, he seems to understand how to pace himself this time around. For the man who would be the Broncos' third receiver, the key is consistency.

"I have learned a lot about training camp, and I do feel better prepared for the challenge this time around," Kasper said. "Two-a-days can wear and tear on your body. I know that now. It doesn't mean I'm not going to compete just as hard. It's just a matter of handling everything mentally a little better.

"I got so down on myself last year, not being able to play more, not having more of an impact. The ankle injury really set me back. I was just getting into the groove of things, and it took so long to get back to a place where I felt I could help the team."

Kasper's contributions as a rookie were limited. His early camp success turned into a struggle down the stretch, so that by the time the season opened he was used primarily on special teams. He suffered a severely sprained ankle while returning the opening kickoff against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 7, and missed the next six games.

Had he stayed healthy, Kasper might have stepped into the complementary role alongside Rod Smith that the Broncos so desperately needed. With Ed McCaffrey out with a broken leg and Eddie Kennison quitting the team, the Broncos ran out of receivers quickly.

By the time Kasper reached full speed, starting the final four games, he caught only eight passes for 84 yards. "No question, I think I could have made a much bigger contribution had I stayed healthy all year," he said. "But injuries are a part of the game, and you have to learn to overcome those obstacles."

This year, he's trying to avoid that obstacle altogether. A health and nutrition nut known for his maniacal workouts, Kasper added 10 pounds of muscle in the offseason, up to 200 pounds.

He can now bench press twice his weight, and he says "I've never felt faster in my life." When he reported for camp, he had two suitcases and seven boxes of nutritional supplements.

"Kevin has done really well," quarterback Brian Griese said. "He's one of those guys who learned a lot last year, who was forced to gain a lot of experience a lot quicker than expected. It has helped him. And it's pretty obvious how hard he works."

Not quite as tame but a lot more consistent, Kasper is hoping to avoid the crash landing this time around.

"I'm hoping that the quarterbacks and coaches have more confidence in me this year, because I'm not a rookie anymore," he said. "I wasn't scared last year, by any means, but I was tamer, compared to where I am this year."