Senior Spotlight: William Brown, III

RALEIGH, N.C. - William Brown, III, wanted to come to college and take full advantage of his opportunities. After five years in the Wolfpack's football program, Brown is leaving NC State University with many positive experiences both on and off the field.

Born in Atlanta, Brown and his family moved to Raleigh when he was two and he has called Raleigh home ever since.

"To me, to grow up in Raleigh and play for my hometown team is a big deal," said Brown. "I grew up a NC State fan, my dad went to NC State. That was the team I looked up too.

"It is very surreal to be on this platform, knowing I idolized those players when I was growing. I know what a big deal it is to be a NC State football player"

After a prep career right across the street from Carter-Finley Stadium at Cardinal Gibbons High School, Brown found his way to NC State's campus in 2015 and to the Wolfpack football team as a walk-on defensive back.

"I had so many guys that have mentored and helped me through all my years here at NC State, Jack Tocho, Mike Stevens, Sean Paul, Nick Lacy just to name a few," said Brown.

Now in his final season, Brown finds himself as one of the elder statesmen for the Wolfpack.

"I want to be a role model for the younger guys on this team," said Brown. "I want to continue to keep contributing on special teams, and do whatever I can to help this team continue to grow as a program."

How can Brown be a role model and lead this program? Just look at the respect his peers and coaches have for him both on and off the field.

At a team meeting during fall camp, with his parents and grandfather there with him, head coach Dave Doeren awarded Brown with a scholarship for his final season with the Wolfpack.

"He has done everything that we have asked him to do," said Doeren at that team meeting. "On the team for five years, a college graduate in four years, going to grad school. I'm proud to announce you are now on scholarship."

Brown is very appreciative of being rewarded a scholarship for his senior campaign.

"The scholarship was really a confirmation for me," said Brown. "Everybody here has really bought in on me, and I know they love me like their own family.

"No doubt, as a walk-on I've had some doubts over the years. But this scholarship confirms that my hard work has paid off and I want to finish this out with this team that has become my family."

His work on the field might have earned him that scholarship, but his work in the classroom is what Brown is excited about when he looks back on his time at NC State. He has already earned his undergrad degree in material science, and he is now pursuing a master's degree in material science and engineering and also business certificate.

"It is absolutely rewarding to know that I finished my degree before my playing days are over," said Brown. "Just thinking about finishing that degree is crazy to me.

"There were a lot of times I'm not sure how I managed to balance everything that was going on between this team and my studies. It was not easy at all."

Brown has a great perspective on this being his final season as a member of the Wolfpack.

"I'm really excited just knowing this is my last year," said Brown. "It's all in for all of us, but especially us seniors. Us as a senior class, we get to leave our final mark on the program.

"This team has a lot of talent. We might be a young team, but I can guarantee we will be fun to watch and we will leave it all out on the field each game day."

North Carolina State University Athletics

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