Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
Darcy Brown knew when he was drafted sixth overall by the Ticats in the 2009 CFL draft that his days of playing receiver were likely over.
“Well I had the idea going in that I wasn’t going to be able to play slot at 250 pounds, so I figured I would be changing positions,” said Brown.
After making the opening day roster as a rookie in 2009, Brown was able to use his natural athleticism that served him so well as a receiver to get by.
This off-season however he dedicated himself to doing the things a fullback needs to be successful.
“He’s a talented athlete so he’s made a major commitment in the off-season to get stronger and bigger but also to change his mindset to being a guy who’ll be called upon to make blocks, put his face in there and be physical,” said Offensive Coordinator Mike Gibson.
“He’s come miles and miles from where he was,” added Gibson.
Brown took the coaches advice to heart when he returned to Mississauga after the season ended.
“I’m happy with the progress he’s made so far, he came back to camp this year and he’s worked on the things we asked him to work on, and it’s showing on the practice field,” said Head Coach Marcel Bellefeuille.
Moving to a completely new position on the football field has had its growing pains, but Brown has embraced his new role and the coaching staff believes he has the ability to be one of the better fullbacks in the league.
“The biggest thing I’ve seen with him this year is that he’s grown up,” said Gibson. “You have to remember that he’s a young guy, he could still be in university, so just his maturity and the realization of what his role is on this team has been the difference,” he said.
There is a pronounced difference between the slotback and fullback positions, and it involves much more than where they line up on the field.
In essence, Brown has had to learn the entire position from scratch, after playing receiver for his whole life.
“He’s never had to do the things we’re asking of him before,” said Gibson. “It’s like if you or I were asked to walk in off the street and hit a baseball in the major leagues, so every rep he takes is a learning experience.”
With his natural abilities as a pass-catcher to fall back on, Brown has the chance to develop into a well-rounded fullback this season, and have a chance to make some big plays from a position that may take some teams by surprise.
