There's a reason rookie wide out Brian Hartline has stepped up so fast since being drafted in the fourth round of last April's draft. Namely, because he's balls smart.
Hartline, who scored his first touchdown last Sunday against the Bills, has already learned all three of the team's receiver spots, and can play them all effectively according to Sparano.
Despite Hartline's limited NFL experience, Sparano labeled the Ohio State product the smartest receiver amongst the units, and said he's even begun to take charge in their meeting room.
So far for the season, Hartline has caught six passes for 53 yards and a touchdown. Hartline's fellow rookie Patrick Turner has yet to play this season but he's a rookie and still learning, so he can get a pass. Hartline's fellow Buckeye Ted Ginn Jr. has mostly sucked this season, so he can go fuck a beehive.
We've always had a good feeling about Hartline since OTAs. And he seemed to justify that by showing a lot of promise during the preseason. Now all that feel goodery is catching up to the real games, and the guy is making a dent. Athletic ability, a hard worker and brains to match. That's just badass. As badass as a Samurai sword wielding polar bear? Well, no. But pretty fuckin close.
