Translation aside, Garcon will try to grow quickly in Indianapolis

Thanks to the opening scene in "Pulp Fiction," everyone knows that “garcon” means boy. As for Pierre Garcon, he hopes to defy the boundaries of his last name’s meaning by emerging as one of the guys who functions as a target for Peyton Manning after serving as the man on his college team. The little-school wide receiver has to prove that he can successfully face pro cornerbacks after competing against non-scholarship kids, but the Colts’ sixth-round draftee will if nothing else receive the opportunity to elevate.

While not many schools with an undergraduate enrollment of 2,300 send former students to major sports leagues, the fact is that Mount Union product Garcon now faces that welcome prospect based on his athletic achievements in an academic setting. Although the Ohio college has established an incredible program that has won nine national championships, not to mention that student-athletes admirably participate out of pure fondness for the sport, the chances of most participants making the big leagues from the lowest tier of college football are about the same as winning the lottery after being struck by lightning.

Garcon possesses the rare edge because of his categorically sublime personal accomplishments. Including his freshman year spent at Vermont’s Norwich University, he totaled 4,380 yards over his collegiate career, gains which are as unbelievably fantastic as his 60 touchdowns. His average pickup of 17.8 yards per reception is mind-boggling, too, no matter the level of opposition.

Aside from his tremendously prolific output, Garcon brings a reputation as a physical wideout who particularly shines as a blocker. Scouting blurbs claim that he makes up for what he lacks in field speed and refinement with how willing he is to battle in traffic and stand up to attackers with his 6-foot, 210-pound frame. A bit of nastiness would nicely supplement what Indianapolis’ receivers currently collectively display.

Certainly, the obvious concern is whether he’ll be able to excel at what could mildly be called a superior level. Footballers who attend schools in the Mountain Wests and Sun Belts of the world often encounter questions about the quality of their adversaries; those doubts will circulate around Garcon, who last year faced the secondaries of teams such as Baldwin-Wallace, Otterbein, and, my personal favorite postsecondary institution name ever, Muskingum, until he demonstrates that he can outclass even preseason foes.

But, if the West Palm Beach, Fla., native can maintain his aggressiveness while simultaneously focusing on refining his finesse techniques, perhaps while residing on the practice squad, there’s no reason why this good story about an attempt to pull off a tremendous jump has to have culminated on draft weekend.

This was a good draft for the Colts to try and steal a catcher late as opposed to grabbing a surer thing earlier. Even with questions regarding Marvin Harrison’s health and, after the draft, legal status, Indianapolis wisely added players like linebackers, tight ends, and offensive linemen first before finally indulging by grabbing a wideout with its eighth pick.

Regardless of whether Reggie Wayne remains the top receiver or if Harrison regains the title, the reality is that they didn’t need to spend a high choice this year on a wideout. The Colts roll with only infrequent prominent additions, as with Anthony Gonzalez’s selection last season; a stocked line and a quarterback whom fans may be aware is somewhat renowned for his talents are the passing game’s true engines.

From the player’s perspective, it works, too: Garcon owns the advantage of joining a team where it’s relatively easy for receivers to thrive, as he just needs to be able to hop aboard an already churning freight train. It will of course be an imposing challenge, but Garcon will get to prove whether his talents can carry him from Division III to the AFC South Division.