Tom Brady gives James Develin the ultimate praise
At one point in time, he was the guy on the Patriots Madden roster that wasn't really on the team, but was on the video game roster because the Pats didn't really have a fullback. Develin spent the 2012 season on the Patriots practice squad. A former undrafted defensive lineman out of the Ivy League Brown University, Develin bounced around between the Bengals practice squad and Arena Football before finding his permanent(?) home here in New England.
His wikipedia page consists of two sentences. Quarterback Tom Brady has a bit more than that to say about Develin.
via Jeff Howe, Boston Herald:
"He’s done such a great job," Brady said. "He’s such a selfless player, great teammate. I don’t think there is a better fullback in the league, so I’m so happy he’s on our team, and what he’s been able to accomplish for our team has been awesome. He brings so much in terms of his toughness, his attitude. It’s that one position on offense that can really bring a lot of toughness. You get it out of that fullback position. He does whatever the team asks him to do. I can’t say enough good things about him because I think so highly of him."
"He’s been so dependable for us," Brady said. "I think he’s been so consistent since he’s been here. Once he got his opportunity, he really took advantage of it last summer when we put the pads on for the first time, and he really showed us what he’s all about. He continued that through the whole season, became a really dependable player for us last year, and he’s carried that over into this season. It’s great to have him, and all the skill guys we’re going to need because it’s a long year. Whoever is active at the skill spots, we’ve got to use everybody."
"I want to get it to him, believe me," Brady said. "I want to throw it and see if he can make the defense pay because that’s what he does such a great job of. You give it to him for a 4-yard gain, and he comes up and, ‘Bam!’ he runs over a safety or a corner. That’s a great spark for our team. I want to give it to him as many times as I can in those positions."
It's truly a remarkable story that Develin has evolved into a virtual roster lock with the Patriots this season. With the tight end position so thin. He's been filling in there as well as in fullback duties.
Best fullback in the league? He's at least in the conversation.
