Sports
Brodrick Crain a key to Belton’s turnaround
Thursday, 28 June 2012 by David Tuma
Brodrick Crain part of the Tigers dominating defense in 2009 started at cornerback for the UMHB Crusaders last season. Crain was a big part of Belton’s turnaround on the football field which started in the weight room. Pictured Michael Morgan and Crain..One of the hardest things in sports is to turn around a program that depends upon volunteers. Sounds easy but it isn't. To play 5A sports in Texas requires hours of work outside the norm if you are going to win.
It takes key players, leaders of young men to show the way. The Tigers football team hit a low point and it took some time to get not only the players, but the community to believe they could compete and win at the 5A level.
Brodrick Crain was a big part of that turn around. Crain played cornerback for the Tigers that went 10-2 in 2009. Last year he started at cornerback for the powerhouse UMHB Crusaders, one of the best football programs in the country in the Division III level.
"He brought so many things for us off the field. He was one of the hardest workers we had and he led by example. Brodrick was a natural leader both on and off the field. Once he figured out how important the weight room is he turned into a great football player. Brodrick was one of the first players we had that was a leader in the weight room," said Tigers defensive coach Michael Morgan.
"He not only turned around our football program but he had a major impact on our track program. Spencer Templin was a big part of setting an example for Crain. It wasn't just talk trying to get players into the weight room. That first summer we had about 20 of our regulars working out at 6 a.m. This summer it was over 90. He wasn't the only player that helped get it turned around but he was a big part."
Crain stepped up and played some of his best football in the biggest games. He was simply dominating in the Tigers win over Temple, a game that was nationally televised on ESPN.
One of the best games he played was against A&M Consolidated. Consolidated came into the game averaging 36 points a game. Crain and his fellow defenders held Consolidated to one first down and 47-yards, in the entire game. It was one of the greatest performances by a defense in Tigers history. "We played man coverage outside and stacked the middle against A&M Consolidated," said Morgan.
Last season, Crain started 12 games for the Cru with one interception and a fumble returned for a touchdown. "Coach (Pete) Fredenburg is so smart he has been everywhere coaching. He cares about his players when he gives you a complement he means it. The hardest part I had adjusting from high school to college is learning the system. You can't think playing football. You can have all the speed in the world but if you think about what to do you will be slow. Your eyes have to control you feet. To get on the field at college takes a lot more effort. Coach Lewis always told me 'To be the best you have to work the best.' When I played for Rodney Southern we were prepared for anything a team might throw against you. We practiced against things we didn't ever see in games. Southern can get you fired up before a game. To see all the improvements with the facilities is just great, I just love it," said Crain.
His senior season with the Tigers he had 68 tackles with six for a loss, three interceptions, nine broken up passes and two fumble recoveries.
"From where he started to where he is today Crain is the perfect example of what you have to do to play at a high level. He was a good leader. We needed his leadership ability," said Tigers head coach Rodney Southern.
