Aston takes “surprise guy” role as a fill-in at fullback
Ex-Steel Curtain fan brings physical presence while starter Janovich is out
While most friends his age watched cartoons growing up, George Aston preferred different entertainment. So his father, Rick, dusted off an old VHS tape that better suited his son’s interests.
Young George couldn’t take his eyes off the Steel Curtain.
“I used to watch videos of the 1970s Steelers and everyone on those championship runs,” said Aston, who grew up in northern Virginia. “I was a linebacker, and Jack Lambert was my idol.”
Those images set Aston’s foundation as a physical force — “I probably caused some people to quit football in Little League,” he joked — through a transition to fullback at the University of Pittsburgh and, now, as an undrafted rookie in training camp with the Broncos. Aston initially was used to back up starter Andy Janovich, but a pectoral injury Janovich suffered in the preseason game at Seattle last week is expected to sideline him for 6 to 8 weeks.
It has given the player once described by Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi as a “monster” an opportunity to grab a roster spot.
“Things are always going to be a little stressful, because you’ve got to make the team,” Aston said. “But the bottom line is that I’m in the NFL right now and it’s a dream come true.”
Aston (6-foot, 240 pounds) has spent the past two training camp practices as Denver’s de facto fullback in Janovich’s absence. Aston has appeared with the first, second and third offensive units during scrimmage periods lined up in the backfield, at H-back and split out at wide receiver.
Coach Vic Fangio called him a “surprise guy” expected to carry the load at his position, with the earliest timetable for Janovich’s return coming Week 3 at Green Bay on Sept. 22.
“There aren’t many fullbacks out there these days in
college or pro football, so there’s not an abundance of them,” Fangio said. “(Aston) has got a chance.”
Aston must develop into a trusted member of multiple specialteams units to make the roster on top of paving rushing lanes and keeping quarterback Joe Flacco upright in pass protection. But addressing Aston’s potential fit also requires a trip back to 2016, his redshirt sophomore season at Pitt, when Aston thrived as a redzone target. He scored 10 touchdowns almost exclusively on jet sweeps and shovel passes.
“Being a fullback has this stigma of being big and slow,” Aston said. “I’m more athletic than what people think.”
Developing trust among teammates and coaches should allow for increased opportunities for Aston to showcase that versatility, but for now, he’s happy to do anything he is asked. Aston finished practice Monday in an 11on-11 scrimmage period against the first-team defense and was the lead blocker against outside linebacker Von Miller. Aston’s advancement is being noticed.
“Jano has taught (Aston) so many things I’ve noticed with the conversations they’ve had,” running back Royce Freeman said. “George is open-minded, willing to learn, and more importantly, just willing to work.”
Healthy or not, Janovich is an unquestioned leader in Denver’s locker room with Pro Bowl running back Phillip Lindsay proclaiming: “Jano is the man — point-blank, period. Everything runs through him.”
Although a strong finish to the preseason could put Aston in a position to play extensively early in the regular season. And, if the Broncos believe Janovich’s injury will keep him out for September and part of October, they could put him on injured reserve/designated to return, meaning he would miss at least eight weeks.
Aston has no use for hypotheticals. For him, it’s about getting better every day.
“I’m just more aware,” he said. “Your foot and hand position means everything; just off by a couple of inches and you miss a block. Every little detail really matters.”