Their stories came with strings attached.
The Broncos drafted defensive end Quanterus Smith in the fifth round in 2013, a potential star from Western Kentucky. He never played a down last year. The Broncos signed linebacker Lerentee McCray as an undrafted college free agent last year and, just as he appeared to make the team, he suffered a high-ankle sprain, reducing him to a ghost in uniform.
Both spent last season on injured reserve, the NFL’s equivalent of pressing your nose up against the aquarium.
Entering Sunday’s preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers, Smith and McCray are pushing to claim roster spots, motivated by opportunity and adversity.
“These are big games coming up. I am down for doing whatever they need me to do,” Smith said after Thursday’s practice. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I can play at this level.”
Losing linebacker Von Miller to injury stung the Broncos, but there was a sliver of a silver lining. It helped accelerate McCray’s growth. He receives work with the first team as Miller gradually eases back into full-time duty. Miller is expected to start in the season opener but might require rest the first few games of the season as a concession to his knee surgery.
“Not being able to take any reps last year and knowing that coming into camp that I was going to get a lot of action has really helped,” McCray said. “I definitely think I can be an effective pass rusher in this league.”
Smith serves as DeMarcus Ware’s backup. Smith’s ability to create pressure off the edge continues to impress coaches. He played 32 snaps in a preseason game against the Seattle Seahawks last week and showed a relentless style.
Just as important, Smith knows what he doesn’t know. He spends time at practice incorporating tips from Ware. Smith impersonated a wrecking ball at Western Kentucky, overpowering opponents with his speed and strength. A multiple-sack game against Alabama, which featured pro-level tackles, shoved Smith onto the national radar.
And guaranteed him nothing in the NFL as he was slowed by a knee injury suffered at the end of his college career.
“I can’t try to out-athlete people anymore,” Smith said.
Smith spent time Thursday after practice working on his footwork against running plays. His steps were too wide, which affected his balance against blockers. He’s wisely following Ware’s footsteps. Ware believes in Smith. Earlier this month, he showed Smith a two-handed, shed-blocking technique to use against left tackle Ryan Clady, helping him win a drill.
“When you think about the guy who has all the talent and is really a great player, that’s what I think of with Quanterus,” Ware said Thursday. “It’s all about iron sharpening iron. That’s what I am doing. Helping him out as much as I can. I know what type of player he can be. I want to turn that light bulb on for him.”
McCray can appreciate the brains-over-brawn emphasis. The ability to understand and outsmart opponents is a more consistent path to success than sheer physical talent.
“He’s picking up the defense. I am excited about all the growth I see,” Miller said. “He gets better every single day in practice.”
McCray arrived at Florida weighing 198 pounds and without a natural position. He converted to linebacker, then his predicted impact became interrupted. Injuries cost him two seasons, but he blossomed under Gators defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who now serves as the Seahawks’ defensive boss. With a Broncos’ roster spot within reach, McCray turned his ankle in the final preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals last summer.
Being on the edge fuels McCray’s high-energy motor. That and calls home to his 15-month-old daughter, Lamiyah. She was born at 5 a.m. on the morning McCray reported to the Broncos last summer.
“Facing adversity is what life is all about,” said McCray, who made three tackles, including one for a loss, in a 32-play stint in the preseason opener. “Being a father has been a great experience. It has helped me mature. I am not a kid anymore. I want to set an example for her.”
For both players, the climb toward the roster continues Sunday. Their redshirt seasons are over.
“I feel like a success story can come out of this,” McCray said. “And I am doing everything I can to make that happen.”
Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or twitter.com/troyrenck
Orange Future for Dynamic Duo
Linebacker Lerentee McCray (ankle) and defensive end Quanterus Smith (knee) saw their paths to the NFL interrupted by injuries last season. They spent the entire season on injured reserve. NFL reporter Troy E. Renck tells you something you might not know about the duo:
QUANTERUS SMITH
Was leading the nation in sacks with 12.5 when he suffered a knee injury his senior year at Western Kentucky.
Played 31 snaps in the preseason opener, and his versatility could help him find a niche in Jack Del Rio’s defense.
LERENTEE McCRAY
Had the roster made a year ago before suffering a high-ankle sprain in final preseason game.
Led the Broncos with three tackles vs. Seahawks last week in a preseason game. Could help back up Von Miller early in season.
