Former Boyertown Bear James Devlin making his way in the NFL. 

 

Ex-Brown star Develin may have new role with Patriots

 

By MARK DANIELS  Providence Journal Sports Writer

 

 

FOXBORO — The road James Develin took to the NFL was unique.

 

After starring on the defensive line at Brown University, his path led him to the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgs of the Arena Football League and Florida Tuskers of the United Football League, where his transition to fullback opened up a door to the NFL.

After playing in one game, on special teams in 2012, he appeared in all 16 games with the Patriots last season. But more change could be on its way for this 25-year-old.

 

For Develin, the key to the 2014 season with the Patriots just might depend on his hands. The fullback was seen working with the tight ends throughout organized team activities and minicamp.

 

The most telling part, however, came during the 11-on-11 drills, in which Develin’s ability to catch the ball was highlighted multiple times. And the passes being thrown to him weren’t during the second- or third-team drills, but when Tom Brady was on the field.

Develin said he’s been working on improving his hands and understands that his development in that area could be vital for his career, especially in Foxboro.

 

“Yeah, I’ve always had okay hands. Decent. I’m always working on them and trying to go out there and catch every ball that comes my way,” Develin said. “That goes along with every part of my game. I’ve got to be the best in every aspect and try to do what I need to do to help the team win.”

 

As a fullback, the carries are always going to be sparse, but in 2013 Develin showed that he could catch the occasional pass. He hauled in four receptions for 62 yards, which included a 31-yard gain against Cleveland in Week 14.

 

Over the past month, when Michael Hoomanawanui, Justin Jones and Asa Watson were being coached by tight end coach Brian Daboll and running routes, so was Develin. He said the tight group is a “great group of guys” that continually feed and learn from each other.

 

And during minicamp last week, it looked like Develin was pushing his way up the depth chart as Brady threw to him more than he did Hoomanawanui.

 

With the uncertainty surrounding Rob Gronkowski, Develin could be in the mix at tight end come training camp. His development could be a reason why the Patriots haven’t added any other veterans to the tight end group this offseason.

When the subject of catching balls from Brady came up, Deviln said, “Tom’s a great quarterback. He’s got great vision in the field. If anyone gets open, he’s going to see it and put the ball on you.”

 

But the admiration goes both ways. Brady wouldn’t be looking at Develin as often as he did in minicamp if he wasn’t also impressed with his progression. When asked about the fullback/tight end, Brady said his impact is felt both on the field and in the locker room.

“James is great. I love being out here with him. He’s been such a great player, performer for our team,” Brady said. “Whatever role we’ve asked of him, he’s done it to the best he possibly can do. He brings a great attitude, emotion. He’s a positive guy. He’s a great teammate in the locker room. I can’t say enough great things about him. He’s been such a great person and player for this team.

 

Every time you put him out there, good things happen, so it’s fun to be a part of that.”

 

Develin wouldn’t comment whether he even considers himself a fullback at the moment, but if his position was changed for the third time in his career, he’d adjust just like he has in the past. He took a long road to get to this spot in his life and is still willing to do whatever it takes to live out his dream for as long as he can.

 

“I think I’ve just got to keep working,” Develin said. “Keep doing my job and being dependable and doing what’s best for the team no matter what the circumstances may be.”

 

Develin’s shining moment came in Week 13 against Houston, when he rumbled, bumbled and tumbled into the end zone for one of the more entertaining one-yard touchdown runs you’ll see. He might not be in a position where his spot on the Patriots is locked up, but the playing time he earned and brief success he had in 2013 has only made him hungrier.

 

“Yeah. Absolutely. When your dreams are right in front of you, you always, obviously, just got to grind more and more,” Develin said. “And put your head down and go to work every day and do what’s best to put yourself in the best position to make the plays when called upon and help the team win.”

 

On Twitter:  @MarkDanielsPJ