Marques Colston

Marques Colston (IPA: /Mar'kus Cole stun'/ born June 5, 1983 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) is an American football wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints of the NFL. He was selected in the seventh round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Hofstra University and some had projected him to be a tight end due to his large size at 6'4" and 231 pounds. Following the trade of receiver Donte' Stallworth, Colston was inserted into the starting lineup for week 1 of the season, becoming one of the few seventh round picks ever to start week 1 for their team.

In his second month in the NFL, Colston was named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for October 2006.

1 Biography
2 Statistics
3 References
4 Related Articles
- 4.1 Recent Marques Colston ArmchairGM Stories

[edit] Biography

[edit] High school career

Colston attended Susquehanna Township High School, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and was a letterman in football and track. In football, he won All-conference honors as a wide receiver/defensive end. In track, he qualified for the 2001 Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) Outdoor Track and Field Championships in the javelin with a throw of 187 feet, 10 inches.[citation needed] Colston graduated from Susquehanna Township High School soon after in June 2001.

[edit] College career

Colston received a scholarship to the Division I-A Missouri but turned the offer down in favor of Division I-AA Hofstra.

In four seasons at Hofstra, Colston appeared in 40 games (37 starts) and recorded 182 catches for a school-record 2,834 yards and 18 touchdowns. As a senior in 2005, Colston and fellow teammate Devale Ellis, now with the Detroit Lions, formed one the most potent receiving tandems in the history of Division I-AA football. Colston was named to the All-Atlantic 10 first team after making a career-high 70 receptions for 975 yards (13.9 avg.) and five touchdowns. Ellis had 74 catches for 943 yards and five scores.

Colston had 14 receptions for 335 yards (23.9 avg.) and three touchdowns as a freshman. In 2002, he made 47 grabs for 614 yards (13.06 avg.) and three scores. As a junior in 2003, Colston led the team with 51 receptions for 910 yards (17.8 avg.) and seven touchdowns. Colston redshirted the 2004 season due to a shoulder injury.

[edit] Pro Career

Colston declared for the 2006 NFL Draft. He was tipped in many prospect profile to become a tight end, because of his size and catching ability, but was also predicted to go undrafted. He was selected in the 7th Round of the draft, 252nd overall, by the New Orleans Saints. After a great performance at minicamp and the unlikely trade of fellow WR Donte Stallworth to the Philadelphia Eagles, he was thrust into a week 1 starting position against all odds. He is one of a select group of round 7 draft picks who started their teams first regular season game He repayed Sean Payton for his faith in him by having a starring role and creating an early partnership with Drew Brees. By week 9 of the season, Marques had 54 catches for 869 yards and seven touchdowns through nine games of the 2006 regular season; at this point, he was leading the league in receiving yardage and tied for the lead in touchdowns, and was one of the favorites to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. In the Saints' week eleven game on November 20, 2006, Colston injured his ankle on his team's first possession and did not return to the game. Colston was sidelined until week 14, when he returned to action against the Dallas Cowboys in the Saints' 42-17 win on Sunday Night Football. He helped the Saints to the playoffs and a 10-6 record. The Saints beat the Eagles and made it to the NFC Championship Game with the Chicago Bears. Despite Colston scoring a touchdown, the Saints fell 39-14 ending the team's best ever season.

Colston placed third in voting for Offensive Rookie of the Year, behind Tennessee Titans quarterback Vince Young, and Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew. Colston was among the NFC leaders in receptions (70), receiving yards (1,038) and receiving TDs (8).

He returns to the Saints for his sophomore season as the franchise's number one Wide Receiver, but will soon be competing for that tag with 2007 Draft number one pick Robert Meachem.