All NFL fans know about the Colts’ big guns: Manning, Wayne, Freeney and Clark. Each day leading up to the AFC title game, The Post will introduce you to a lesser-known Indy player who could have a huge impact:
Donald Brown, the second rushing option behind Joseph Addai, gained 281 yards on 78 carries (3.6 yards per carry) in 11 games this season. He also scored three touchdowns (one coming vs. the Jets in Week 16, when he had 22 yards on 15 carries). He also caught 11 passes, including a 72-yarder.
The former UConn star was born in Atlantic Heights, N.J., and attended Red Bank Catholic H.S.
With the Huskies, Brown led the nation with 2,083 yards rushing in his junior year, capped by a 261-yard effort in the International Bowl, before jumping to the NFL and getting drafted 27th overall.
Before being drafted, he held the Donald Brown Player-to-Player Leadership Conference in Red Bank, a mentoring seminar. Eighty-six student-athletes from New Jersey, who had to write essays about leadership, were chosen from more than 200 applicants to attend the seminar with Brown.
He had six carries for 10 yards and two catches for 15 yards in the Colts’ 20-3 playoff win over the Ravens. Grew up watching Tiki Barber and has tried to model his style after the former Giant.
Donald Brown
Running back
5-foot-10, 210 pounds
Experience: Rookie