Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during training camp at the Broncos training facility. (Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE)

The Denver Broncos started their 2012 campaign last week with as much fanfare and excitement as any other team in the NFL. ESPN and NFL Network zeroed in on Dove Valley during the first few days of training camp, and the record crowds in attendance proved that Broncos Country is expecting great things during the Peyton Manning era.

The first thing everyone wanted to see was how Manning looked in his first real practices since he last played for the Colts during the 2010 season, and he didn’t disappoint. Manning has looked sharp during camp so far and isn’t showing any ill effects from the neck injury that cost him an entire season. It was quite the sight watching Manning run onto the practice field in a Broncos jersey. That’s something that Broncos Country is not going to get tired of seeing any time soon.

Outside of Peyton Manning, the most exciting news I’ve heard so far has been Ronnie Hillman emerging as an early candidate to back up Willis McGahee, and the positive reaction of the defensive players to Jack Del Rio. Hillman is going to be an impact player immediately, and he has a chance to be a Darren Sproles-like player for the Broncos. It sounds like Del Rio is relating well to his players and that they already believe in him. I feel Del Rio is going to be a difference maker on the defensive side of the ball and will take them to the next level very quickly.

It seems like Ben Garland is making some headway at camp and has a real chance to make the team this year. I’m rooting for young players on the defensive line like Garland and Derek Wolfe because Denver needs players to step up in the trenches.

The first preseason game at Chicago will be played on Thursday, August 9th, and it will probably be one of the highest rated preseason games of all time. I’m excited to see Manning get some game action and take a few hits. It will be great to hear the national media quit talking about Manning’s neck surgeries and talk about how amazingly he’s throwing the ball. Mile High Monday will be back after that game breaking it all down. Until then, stick with PredominantlyOrange.com for complete 2012 training camp coverage!

Make sure to follow @MileHighMonday & @Predomorange on Twitter and Predominantly Orange on Facebook.

Ben Garland

I hope you all had a wonderful and long Memorial Day weekend. Memorial Day is very special to me because, like most families, mine has very strong ties to the United States Military. I always like to give a special shout out to the Ohio 83^rd Infantry Division and the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge (VBOB).

Organizations like the VBOB are very important, yet their membership is dwindling every day with the losses of our aging military heroes. Luckily, anyone can join organizations such as these, and those new memberships are vital to keep them thriving and to help honor the sacrifices that a few have made for the many.

Annual membership to the VBOB is a mere $15, so if you have any interest in joining please check out their website. Membership includes quarterly publications filled with old stories, memories, and the comings and goings of our military veterans.

In honor of Memorial Day, I wanted to take a closer look at Ben Garland, an Air Force Academy graduate and current member of our Denver Broncos.

Garland is a defensive lineman who attended Central High School in Grand Junction, Colorado. While at Central, he was a 4-time letterman in football and was named to the All-State team as a senior in the fall of 2005. Garland chose to attend the Air Force Academy and played in 39 games during his college football career where he totaled 115 tackles and 11.5 sacks. As a senior in 2009-2010 he was voted to the second team All-Conference squad and he joined the Denver Broncos as a free agent on April 30^th, 2010.

This is where the Garland story takes a unique turn. Due to the fact he graduated from a military academy, Garland owed 5 years to an active duty military commitment. He started as an active duty member in 2010, but opted to turn the remainder of his time into a 6-year reserve commitment. This allowed him to return to the NFL and the Denver Broncos who still owned his rights after they had placed him on the military/reserve list in 2010.

So as we stand today, the 6’-5” and 275 pound Garland is trying to earn a roster spot on the 2012 Broncos. He already has a reputation as a hard worker who puts full effort into every drill, and he will easily become a fan favorite if he can make the team. It’s not going to be hard to get behind a local kid who stayed in state to play college football and is a member of the military. His story is one to follow closely as we get nearer to the start of training camp later this summer.

Not only do I have great respect for Ben Garland as a member of the United States Military, but I find him very easy to cheer for. Hopefully we see him making a big impact on the football field very soon while wearing the Orange and Blue!

Go Broncos!

Make sure to follow @MileHighMonday on Twitter.