Spotlight on ... New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Marques Colston

New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Marques Colston is having a historic 2012 season with the Saints, despite the team's collective struggles getting to the playoffs.

Colston played football at Hofstra University. In his career there he had 182 catches for 2,834 yards (school record) and 18 touchdowns. He declared for the NFL draft in 2006. Colston was predicted to either become a tight end because of his size or go undrafted. The Saints ultimately chose Colston in the seventh round, 252nd overall that year.

Colston impressed at training camp and won the starting job Week 1 that season. He was one of the few seventh round picks to get a starting job Week 1 and quickly became a favorite target of quarterback Drew Brees. Colston finished his rookie season with 70 receptions for 1,038 yards and eight touchdowns, helping the Saints to a 10-6 record. The Saints made it all the way to the NFC Championship game, but fell short to the Chicago Bears 39-14.

Colston came in second for the Rookie of the Year voting behind Tennessee Titans' quarterback Vince Young, and tied with Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew. He had more votes than teammate Reggie Bush, who was drafted second overall.

Despite the Saints struggling this season, Colston made franchise history. On Oct. 7th, Colston broke Joe Horn's record for most touchdown catches with 52 in his career. On Nov. 11th, Colston tied Deuce McAllister's team record for total touchdowns when he scored his 55th touchdown. So far this season Colston has 61 receptions for 828 yards and eight touchdowns. Brees still uses Colston and tight end Jimmy Graham as his top targets and opponents offensive threats.

The Saints are entering Sunday's game against the New York Giants at the Meadowlands and are looking to improve their 5-7 record and not let the season officially slip away. It's a must-win situation for the Giants and will need to keep Brees from throwing to Colston and Graham in order to win.