Next Game
@
ARGONAUTS.CA STAFF
MISSISSAUGA–Aaron Crawford just wants to play professional football.
How else would you explain the ear-to-ear grin after only his second practice of his football life as a fullback?
The Saint Mary’s product, who was drafted in the sixth round (40th overall) in the 2012 CFL Canadian Draft in early May, was selected out of university as a linebacker, or so he thought. It was only after Crawford checked out argonauts.ca that he learned of his new position.
“I was so excited that I got drafted, and I was saying to myself that I cannot wait to come into camp and compete at linebacker,” said the native of Medicine Hat, Alberta. “Then, as I was watching Jim Barker’s post draft press conference on the Argos’ website, he said they drafted me as a fullback. I was like, well, I guess I’m a fullback now.”
Head Coach Scott Milanovich likes what he sees from the rookie, “Aaron has done a great job so far,” explained Milanovich. “He’s actually got pretty good hands considering he has never been in a skill position, and we like the prospect of having a big body at the fullback spot.”
For Crawford, who played on the defensive side of the ball for 13 years before Wednesday’s practice, versatility is something he feels will help in his professional career; he also long snaps. “I understand what it is going to take for me to have longevity in football, and heading into camp I worked really hard at a few different things. I will play anywhere.” Crawford proclaimed.
However difficult the position seems now, Crawford feels his past on the defensive side of the ball will aid in his transition to offence, and he is already beginning to pick up subtle nuances. “Having had to study what the intentions of route runners were in the past has already helped me in seeing where I should be in certain situations.”
Crawford will have one more opportunity to hone his skills at the position Friday before the veterans join the party on Sunday.