Though he only started one game in 2012, take one look at Brandon Apon in the 2013 spring practices and you’d know how big of a weapon he would be for the Flames in his senior season. He’s a big, athletic tight end, who has developed into a physical blocker and reliable receiving target. Flames Nation got a chance to catch up with him Tuesday after practice and get his thoughts on his senior campaign as he exits the program.
Apon was named an offensive captain in 2013
“I’ve been the type of guy who has just worked as hard as I can throughout my career here, and to get to my senior year and have my peers respect me in a certain way was humbling,” Apon told us. “It does take a certain amount of responsibility when you go into being a captain and leader of the offense. You feel the success and failures of the team fall on to your shoulders. It’s like the quote ‘with great power comes great responsibility’ and that’s so true.”
Though this is the first year Apon has played a large role in the offense, he said the transition was not something that took place in just one offseason, but has been ongoing since he entered the program. “You can’t really do one thing in the offseason to make you who you are. You choose who you are going to be ever day. I’ve been working for five years to transition to the role I have today.”
Brandon has 12 catches for 203 yards and 4 touchdowns this season
Brandon doesn’t usually play a huge role in the receiving game, averaging 20 yards per contest, but has proven reliable when he does get his opportunities. He has often plowed through defenders to get the tough yards for a first down or touchdown. Every time he touches the ball he seems to either already be in the end zone, or be on a mission to get there. This has resulted in a third of his touches going for touchdowns.
“I’ve been a guy who they like to target in the red zone, and I’ve been able to make big plays when I get the chance. It’s been neat to have Josh going to me in those key moments.”
As far as blocking goes, Apon has been quite the force. He has often sealed off huge holes for Rice and company, and has shown the athletic ability to make blocks upfield as well. He has emerged into an all around tight end, a clutch red zone target in the receiving game, as well as a dominant blocker for the rushing attack.
Unfortunately, we won’t get a chance to see Apon in his final home game against Brevard due to an injury, and don’t know for sure what his status will be for the CSU matchup, but we’d like to thank Brandon for his contributions to the program. His leadership on offense will surely be missed next season.
