Senior Spotlight: NaQuan Brown

RALEIGH, N.C. - NaQuan Brown's dream of playing college football was almost over before it really got started. After dislocating his ankle in the Wolfpack's game against Louisville during his senior season last October, his collegiate career was supposed to be over.

However, The NCAA granted him an extra year of eligibility. While the extra year is another opportunity for Brown, it is just one hurdle in succession of trials that the Charlotte, N.C., native has faced throughout his football career.

Brown had a late start compared to most of his peers, only beginning to play football his junior year of high school. After a position switch to wide receiver, he broke out and earned a spot on the All-MEGA 7 Conference Team during his senior season.

Unlike most recent high school graduates, Brown wasn't able to attend college right away. He enrolled at a local community college and picked up a job Walmart to help support his family.

"When I was at Walmart, I knew I had a talent and a gift from God to play football, but I had to help my family," said Brown.

Instead of giving up on his dream of playing college football, Brown continued to work towards his goal. Everyday after school and work, he would practice on perfecting the moves he saw Deion Sanders and Calvin Johnson perform from their YouTube highlight films.

"When I was at community college, I didn't have a coach," said Brown. "I was learning through watching videos and then trying to mimic what I saw on the computer. Watching YouTube and doing it on the field, that was my only way."

Brown continued to grind away at his local park's practice field, working on his footwork, conditioning, route running and catching the football. Learning by example from some of the NFL's greatest receivers allowed Brown the opportunity to keep chasing his dream.

"I knew when my time did come, I would be ready," said Brown.

Eventually, his family gained stability, and he was able to go to college. His hard work paid off and he headed to Morgantown, W.Va., to play for the Mountaineers.

As soon as he arrived, he faced another hurdle. Before the NCAA would clear him to play he had to earn an associates degree. Brown missed another year of football to get his degree.

After earning his degree from a community college in West Virginia, Brown was finally ready to play college football. However, he was hit with another set back after the Big 12 Conference didn't clear him to play.

Brown was forced to start over again. He found his next opportunity at NC State. He completed his transfer and was able to walk-on. He moved up the depth chart, made the travel squad and saw limited action in games throughout the season.

During the Louisville game, Brown played in 35 snaps. Brown was finally making plays on a college football field. However, he was quickly met with more adversity.

On his 35^th snap, he suffered a dislocated ankle that ended his season, and at the time his college career.

Instead of giving up, Brown deciding to keep training with the team. After speaking with the compliance office and finding out about a family hardship waiver, Brown decided to apply for the extra year. Despite being told there was a less than one percent chance he would play college football again, the NCAA granted him the extra year.

After successful overcoming many trails during the last five years, Brown is ready for his final season.

He has aggressively rehabbed his ankle through the assistance of the NC State sports medicine staff and is now ready to play.

"I'm 100% percent. I'm better than I was last year in my explosiveness and footwork. The training staff did a great job with me."

In addition to rehab, Brown has also spent a large portion of the year learning the playbook and gaining experience through another season of spring and fall camps.

"Last year I was still learning. I felt good, but I was still learning and a little timid," said Brown. "From this year compared to last year, I've learned a whole lot and I have experience. I can make plays and help us win ball games."

Brown credits both of the wide receiver coaches who have helped him develop during his time at NC State. After former receiver's coach Frisman Jackson assisted Brown with developing the physical tools needed to succeed as a D1 wideout, new wide receiver coach George McDonald has worked with Brown on perfecting the mental aspect of being a division one receiver.

"They've been great and taught me so much. They're the best receiving coaches I've ever had," said Brown.

With the new season and his final season of college football underway, Brown is prepared to make an impact when his number is called.

"I'm expecting to play the best football I can. I am going to learn from the guys in front of me, and when my time comes, I'm going to be ready," said Brown.

After college, Brown plans to pursue professional opportunities and attend the combine. When his playing days are over, he wants to be a community mentor for kids from his hometown. In May, Brown will graduate with a degree in sports management.

"I would love to work with the kids in the community that I grew up in and help with their development," said Brown. "Some kids don't have the funding to play football, I'd love to work with them to help keep school first and to help them keep a positive mindset."

"Where I'm from there is a lot of negativity. I feel like I can lead the way as a positive role model whether it be with sports or whatever they want to do in life."

North Carolina State University Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

NaQuan Brown

Related Videos