Courtesy Calgary Herald:

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, just last week he was called the team’s most under-rated 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, scoring seven touchdowns. His best game was in early October, at Hamilton, 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, failing to score a touchdown.

“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 stats for a potential Grey Cup championship this 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, following 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 options down south, but sounds like a player who would like to return.

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