BY TRISTAN SASSE
PHOTO COURTESY OF FHSU ATHLETICS
Straight out of the Bay Area in San Ramon, California, senior kicker on the Fort Hays State University football team, Brandon Brown, has his eyes beyond collegiate football. Brown will graduate next December from FHSU with his Bachelor’s degree in Information Networking and Telecommunications while continuing to focus on his ultimate goal, the NFL.
Before Brown decided football was the best fit for him, he focused on soccer. He started playing at a young age, and it was only during his senior year of high school that he was the kicker for a football team.
“Growing up, the only football I focused on was supporting my little brother’s games in high school,” said Brown.
Soon after, those around Brown realized his potential in other sports, especially football.
“An old soccer friend approached me at the end of my soccer season and told me how successful he was because of his strong leg,” said Brown. “He told me my leg was even stronger and really pushed me to just go try out for football.”
Even though Brown played football during his senior year of high school, the sport did not become his main focus until attending Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California. According to the DVC Vikings, Brown would even attempt difficult field goals after practice with his superb athletic ability.
After two years at Diablo Valley College, Brown had many options as a kicker and decided to look elsewhere. It was difficult for Brown to leave his stomping grounds though.
“The Bay taught me to strive for success every day. Not only in football but in every aspect of life,” said Brown. “The vibe in the Bay cannot be compared to anywhere else I have been. Everyone is family out there and everyone wants to help you succeed.”
A few factors helped Brown finally decide where he wanted to continue his playing career though. While Brown loves the Bay Area, he soon noticed that he would be fine with a temporary home elsewhere.
“There were a few schools scouting me while at DVC. I had a starting kickoff position offered at Cal Berkeley, but because it was offered so late in the summer before the season, I ended up not going,” said Brown.
Once FHSU gave Brown an offer, he knew it was the best fit for him.
“What made me come to Hays was the coaching staff and the friends I made on my recruiting visit. The seriousness of everyone’s attitude towards the game made it an easy decision,” said Brown.
In two seasons with the Tigers, it was apparent that Brown made the right choice by heading to Kansas. During his first year at Fort Hays, Brown made 16 field goals to set the single-season record at FHSU.
Fort Hays State University Head Football Coach Chris Brown noticed the impact Brandon had as a player.
“We watched film and saw the strength in his leg, and that was the kind of kicker we wanted on the football team,” said Coach Brown. “He is a tremendous kicker with an incredible work ethic and a true competitor that wants to win.”
He also set the record for points by a kicker in a season at Fort Hays, with 88. Additionally, Brown handled duties as a punter and booted one 78 yards, good enough for the second longest punt in school history. At the end of the season, Brown was selected to the All-MIAA Third Team as a kicker.
Honors continued to be in Brown’s favor during his final year of college. He led the Tigers in points with 94 total to break his single-season scoring record from the 2016 season. Brown showcased the strength in his leg by making a career-long 54-yard field goal and kicking 36 touchbacks on 75 attempts.
During his senior year, the Tigers finished with their best record in school history at 11-1 and won the 2017 MIAA Championship. Four of their wins were decided by seven points or less, where kicking proved to be crucial.
With all the buzz around FHSU football, Brown was selected as the 2017 MIAA Special Teams Player of the Year. The award was a major honor for him and his family.
“This was a huge accomplishment. Only family and close friends know what I’ve been through to get to where I am at today,” said Brown. “I couldn’t thank the coaches, staff, and fans enough for their support being so far from home.”
Brown learned many lessons at FHSU, and is thankful for his opportunity to be a Tiger.
“To be a Tiger means to be a brother first and foremost,” said Brown. “Then comes grit every day you show up to put in some work.”
Looking ahead, Brown is confident his football journey has just begun.
Brown will continue his studies online while training for the NFL. Recently, the Bay Area product has had much success toward his goal. “I attended my first kicking combine in Arizona and placed as a top kicker,” said Brown.
Shortly after his successful kicking performance, another door opened for Brown.
“I was then blessed with an offer to work with an NFL agent [Andy Ross] who’s been a part of my life since my sophomore year in high school,” said Brown.
From the Bay to Hays, Kansas, Brown’s gone all over the United States, in hopes of making his dream become a reality. He has kept doors open along the way and is willing to take chances in hopes of a significant payoff.
“My family and I have always messed around about if I make it big, maybe Andy [Ross] could be my agent,” said Brown. “For the dream to finally come true is unreal.”
As Brown continues to stride for his NFL dream, Coach Brown sees the potential looking forward.
“I just hope he gets an opportunity. People don’t understand the importance of having a good kicker,” said Coach Brown. “His leg is strong enough, I don’t see why a team wouldn’t want to give him a chance.”
Up next, Brown will compete at a Pro Day event for the NFL held in Hays on March 12. Following the event, he will start preparing for the NFL Draft on April 26-28. Ultimately, Brown will continue to aim for his dream in the upcoming months.
“I will be training harder than ever before in order to achieve a lifelong dream,” said Brown. “Being a professional athlete is something I would forever be grateful for.”