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Broncos Cody Latimer 'Coming In With More Focus' In 2nd Season

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (CBS4) - What was it like playing football at a basketball school like Indiana University?

"I get asked that question a lot," Denver Bronco Cody Latimer told CBS4's Vic Lombardi on Xfinity Monday Live. "It was a great feeling, just being in the Big 10 under a great coaching staff and great players. Our offense was fully loaded ... I wish we would have made a bowl game when I was there but I feel like Coach (Kevin) Wilson is going to turn it around and they are going to be a bowl-elligible team (soon)."

Two years ago Latimer was a Hoosier in Bloomington, Indiana. Now the wide receiver finds himself on the Broncos, his somewhat challenging rookie year in the pros in the rear-view mirror.

Cody Latimer
Cody Latimer (credit: CBS)

"Last year I wouldn't say it was too hard, I just kind of say that I wasn't putting my best foot forward in trying to learn the offense," Latimer said. "This year I'm coming in with more focus. I am able to study more and (have been) heavy in my playbook."

Sounds kind of like school. And like with those college years, Latimer is getting grades.

"(The coaches) grade us on everything. We get our grades the day after we come in and watch our film," Latimer said.

One player who is likely receiving many good grades is quarterback Brock Osweiler. Latimer has caught many balls thrown by the third-year player who remains Peyton Manning's backup, both in practice and in the preseason.

"I always thought Brock was good. You see who he's behind so it's kind of hard to really see him in game action, but in practice I see Brock dominate all the tim. He takes control. You saw that first preseason game when he got the start and played a lot. We made some plays out there," Latimer said.

"You know what I noticed, he's going at the second and third reads. It's not just the first read all the time," Lombardi said.

"He's smart, he scans the field. He uses his checkdowns -- whatever you've got to do. We try to limit turnovers," Latimer said.

The Broncos third preseason game is this Saturday night against the 49ers at home, and Latimer said it's another chance for him to impress the coaches.

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"I just want to keep showing the coaches I know what I'm doing out on the field. Make some plays when I get the opportunity, and just stay healthy. Make sure I finish out the preseason strong," Latimer said.

Leading up the game the Broncos and 49ers will have some joint practices, but don't expect any brawls such as have made headlines recently, Latimer says.

"Of course it's going to be physical and aggressive out there, but I don't think it'll escalate and be something all over the news."

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