Honestly, for a young player fresh off of an All-Pro performance in the DSFL all the while adjusting to a position swap, there isn't really an offseason. Brand would love to have said he took the family for a relaxing week on the shores of the Ionian Sea, but alas it was not to be this year.
Ultimately, stepping up to the ISFL level represents the biggest challenge any rookie could face. With first round & All-Pro honours doing nothing but intensifying the expectations of fans, management and even now teammates in Colorado, the pressure is on to perform. Because of this, offseason was spent in many darkness retreats, individualised training camps, and organised programmes with other players. All of this was before even the start of official training.
Now, Brand is looking forward to Week 1 of the season. How will he handle the shift from star player to rookie on the depth chart remains to be seen, but no one can accuse him of underpreparing, that much is for sure.
Ultimately, stepping up to the ISFL level represents the biggest challenge any rookie could face. With first round & All-Pro honours doing nothing but intensifying the expectations of fans, management and even now teammates in Colorado, the pressure is on to perform. Because of this, offseason was spent in many darkness retreats, individualised training camps, and organised programmes with other players. All of this was before even the start of official training.
Now, Brand is looking forward to Week 1 of the season. How will he handle the shift from star player to rookie on the depth chart remains to be seen, but no one can accuse him of underpreparing, that much is for sure.
Craig Brand - LB:
S40 DSFL First Team All Pro - DAL
S41 Defensive Rookie of the Year - CTC
S41 Ultimus Champion - CTC
S41 NSFC Pro Bowler - CTC