Jason Brookins
Jason Brookins said he'd play anywhere the Packers want him to, including fullback, but make no mistake about it, he wants to be the team's No. 2 halfback.
"Hopefully that's what I signed for," the recently-acquired Brookins said Monday after his first mini-camp practice in a Packers uniform. "I just want to come in and be the best player I can be and help this team out any way, and if my number is called, hopefully I can do the job."
The job of spelling two-time 1,000-yard rusher Ahman Green won't be handed to Brookins. Last year's primary backup Dorsey Levens is an unrestricted free agent and may not rejoin the team, but Rondell Mealey and Herbert "Whisper" Goodman will also be fighting for their places amongst the Packers backfield.
However, Brookins does provide the club with another option and brings with him some significant experience, having led the Baltimore Ravens rushing attack in five straight games during his rookie season of 2001.
"When he played against us, I thought he was a fairly physical runner," GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman said. "He's a guy who does well between the tackles. He probably would have to improve his blocking, but I can't imagine a guy his size not being able to block."
Brookins' size has been a hot topic of conversation in recent weeks, with some reports indicating that the Ravens released him because he'd ballooned to more than 15 pounds over his optimal weight. But Brookins suggested such reports were overblown.
"It really wasn't much of an issue," Brookins said. "The weight I am now I played at at the end of the season there."
Although listed at 235 pounds, Brookins said his actual ideal playing weight is somewhere between 240-245 pounds. Presently he admitted to weighing around 250 pounds, but claimed that even by the end of mini-camp, five of those pounds will likely be shed.
In his own words, Brookins' running style is "hardcore, but elusive."
"I'm a big guy. I can move around, but when it's time for the tough yards, I'm going to get them," he said.
Like all players suiting up with a new team, his first practice was a jumble of new terminology, but Brookins is optimistic about his new home in the NFL.
"I have nothing bad to say (about Baltimore), they gave me an opportunity to showcase my talent," Brookins said. "I appreciate what they gave me, but now it's time to move on . . . I'm here now, I'm going to work hard. Baltimore is in the past and Green Bay is the future for me."
