UHND continues its annual “Now or Never” series with senior wide receiver Chris Brown after similar installments for safety Elijah Shumate and slot wide receiver Amir Carlisle.
Pedigree
Chris Brown was a 3-star, under the radar wide receiver prospect hailing from Hanahan, S.C., with offers from the likes of Arkansas, South Carolina and Virginia Tech. Though unranked as a national recruit, Brown was listed as the No. 11 prospect in South Carolina, and Gamecocks head coach Steve Spurrier battled Notre Dame hard for his signature. The in-state ball coach saw what many other major programs didn’t – the extreme athleticism and speed Brown possessed were worth the years it would take for the wiry deep threat to develop sufficient strength to compete at the college level. And it’s why Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly stated, when comparing National Signing Day to the NFL Draft, that Brown was the “steal of the draft” for the class of 2012.
Reason for Optimism
The reason Irish fans should be high on Chris Brown is because of his off-the-chart measurables. Brown broke a 32-year old South Carolina track and field record while only a junior in high school and possesses the kind of speed that can make opposing defenses look silly even at the college level. His elite caliber of athleticism was on full display during Brown’s freshman season in 2012 when he blew past First-team All-Big 12 Oklahoma cornerback, Aaron Colvin, for a 50-yard bomb despite Colvin playing ten yards off the ball to start the play. Instances like the one against Oklahoma personified Kelly’s description of Brown as having the ability to provide, “Wow, what was that?” type of play.
The biggest reason for optimism, however, is the leadership Brown began to display during Notre Dame’s spring practice sessions. As UHND observed at one practice, Brown was quick to admonish fellow wide receiver Torii Hunter Jr. for losing focus and dropping an easy pass, providing a sign that perhaps Brown is finally ready to live up to his unlimited potential and take on a leadership role.
Reason for Doubt
There’s a reason pundits continue to reference Chris Brown’s 50-yard bomb against Oklahoma in 2012, and it’s because it remains his best highlight even three years later. Brown’s career has been marked by inconsistent play and an inability to maximize opportunities. Brown finished his freshman season with only one other reception, and his sophomore campaign saw him sharing time with true freshman Corey Robinson. Last fall Brown continued his timeshare for the No. 2 wide receiver position, with Robinson hauling in 40 receptions to Brown’s 39.
Further clouding his production this year is the emergence of Notre Dame’s rushing attack. Quarterback Malik Zaire lacks the accuracy of transfer Everett Golson, and Brown’s status as a deep threat may actually hinder his opportunities. Additionally, with an expected reliance on the running game, Notre Dame will be more apt to utilize Corey Robinson’s 6-4 frame for blocking.
Outlook for 2015
Brian Kelly recruited Chris Brown with the knowledge he was a long-term project. It has taken Brown time to bulk up his frame to help fight off jams at the line of scrimmage, but the old adage you can’t teach speed and athleticism made Brown worth the investment. And the fact he’s become more vocal is an extremely positive sign for a Notre Dame team still looking for a complement to star wide receiver Will Fuller.
While the style of offense may be trending more in Corey Robinson’s favor, Robinson has not made the most of his opportunities to lock down the No. 2 position, and Brown is simply too physically gifted to not be on the field. A successful rushing attack and the extra attention wide receiver Will Fuller will see from opposing defenses will allow Brown one-on-one looks and a chance to truly utilize his speed. Irish fans may have seen a sneak preview of what’s to come in the Music City Bowl against LSU, a game where Chris Brown averaged more yards per reception than Biletnikoff watch list candidate Will Fuller.
Chris Brown and Corey Robinson will likely still share time at the No. 2 spot, but Brown should take a step forward this fall and have the best year of his career at Notre Dame.
Scott Janssen is a blogger for the Huffington Post and has authored several nationally-featured articles, including an appearance on MSNBC as a sports contributor. He talks football 24 hours a day, much to the chagrin of his wife and those around him. Scott can be reached at scottjanssenhp@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter.
Last year was suppose to be a good year for Brown. He better step up this season because WR is one of the deeper positions on the roster. Brown could find himself sitting on the bench this year.
When teams are forced to respect the (finally) functional read option running attack, players like fuller and brown will see more long yard passes. Kelly and Sanford will want big chunk pass plays to keep db’s and linebackers honest. I’d bet robinson becomes special use, and brown (provided he’s reliable) gets ample big play opportunities.
I really hope this is the year Brown puts it all together. Crossing pattern and T.D. I hope to see happen often this year for this stellar athlete. He just has to believe in himself. A true qb that can extend plays will be a major plus for this team.
Zaire can pass better than people think
When you throw deep (the ‘BOMB’) accuracy is not a absolute must. Brown’s got to catch the ball but perfect strikes over 45 yards is a unusual occurrence even in the pros.