Marshall, Torain Shine as Broncos Kick off Training Camp

Denver Broncos wide receiver Brandon Marshall takes part in drills during the opening day of the team's NFL football training camp at the Broncos headquarters in Englewood, Colo., on Friday, July 31, 2009. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Denver Broncos kicked off their 2009 campaign with the start of training camp Friday morning. Everyone – and I mean everyone, from the 1,657 fans in attendance to the support staff to the throng of media to the players – was in good spirits.

Even Brandon Marshall.

The disgruntled wide receiver, who has requested to be traded and only appeared in one offseason practice this year, stood out from the start, dancing, jumping and singing as the team warmed up.

It was a sign of things to come. Between jumping high in the air to catch overthrown passes and making acrobatic, one-armed grabs to the cheers of the crowd, Marshall showed no sign of the residual soreness that kept him out of practice since Monday, and reminded fans (and maybe the front office) why he was elected to his first Pro Bowl last year. 15 stole the show.

With first-round rookies Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers still holding out, other players were left to fill their vacated positions and try to step up. One player in particular took advantage: running back Ryan Torain. In team drills, Torain broke off several long runs and showed his power and shiftiness. He looked to be healthy and in great shape, easily standing out from the other running backs. If Moreno’s paying attention, he’ll want to get out there quickly and show people why he was drafted 12th overall. Torain isn’t fooling around.

The Broncos have another practice later this evening, starting at 5:30 pm MDT. Full, much-more-detailed AM practice report coming soon!