HERB ZURKOWSKY
The Gazette

Brian Bratton has spent most of the season flying under the radar, overshadowed by the dynamic Jamel Richardson, along with the steady tandem of Ben Cahoon and Kerry Watkins.

But with Richardson potentially headed to the NFL next season, and Cahoon's future at age 36 uncertain, Bratton could be on the precipice of stardom with the Alouettes.

Indeed, only last week he was called the team's most underrated player by quarterback Anthony Calvillo.

"He can move to any position if one of the guys goes down and not miss a beat," Calvillo said at the time. "He's really someone who has helped our offence out." Bratton, 26, wasn't one of the Als' three 1,000 yard receivers this season, but appears destined to eventually grow into that role as he becomes more utilized. Bratton, who dressed for all 18 games, caught 54 passes for 636 yards and scored seven touchdowns. His best game came at Hamilton in early October, when he made nine receptions for 113 yards. He caught at least one pass in all but two games.

It was a marked improvement over his 2007 rookie season, when the 5-foot-10, 188-pounder caught 20 passes for 199 yards with no touchdowns.

"It's rare for a team to have four 1,000-yard receivers," Bratton said. "But I feel I'm knocking on the door and could have been there if things were different.

"I've got a lot of pride. But I also know my role. We all have roles. I've enjoyed being part of the team. If I fly under the radar, that doesn't bother me. If I was a star on another team, I wouldn't be in this position." In other words, Bratton will trade statistics for a Grey Cup championship Sunday against Calgary.

The multi-dimensional Bratton also rushed once this season, returned four punts and 14 kickoffs. None resulted in a touchdown but, in 2007, before the arrival of Larry Taylor, Bratton returned a punt 79 yards for a score at Toronto.

"Do I feel like I could be a star?" he asked. "Yes. I'm a star in the making. This year, I was on the edge of stardom. It was my coming-out year. I've had my introduction this year. It was my time on stage." Bratton came to Montreal last season after short NFL stints with Atlanta and Baltimore. He also had a workout last winter with Buffalo. A potential free agent this February, Bratton won't rule out exploring his NFL options, but sounds like a player who would like to return.

"I love Montreal and my team here," he said. "I love my teammates, the staff, front office people and the city ... the relationships I've built. Put it this way, I fit in. And you never want to leave a place in which you fit in and are respected, not that I'm scared of doing it." Note - The Grey Cup organizing committee has announced more than 60,000 tickets have been sold for Sunday's game.

Capacity at Olympic Stadium is more than 68,000.

Courtesy: www.montrealgazette.com