Central Michigan University Athletics
Jacob Brown Profile
9/27/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Sept. 27, 2005
Reprinted from Gameday Program -- Indiana
By Eric Caldwell
Sports Information Student Assistant
The name Jacob Brown is synonymous with versatility and unselfishness around the Central Michigan University football program.
A converted wide receiver now playing tight end, Brown has shown an ability to play all over the field, including on special teams.
After recording his best season statistically in 2003 (eight catches, 133 yards, one touchdown), Brown redshirted in 2004 and is now penciled in as the starting tight end.
He was asked to move to tight end at the beginning of spring drills this season in order to utilize his speed downfield and create mismatches coming off the line of scrimmage.
Brown has the athleticism of any wide receiver in the MAC and it is going to be extremely hard for any linebacker to match up with someone with his ability.
"I have complete trust in coach (Brian) Kelly and his philosophy to move me to tight end," Brown said of the position switch. "Forcing linebackers throughout the Mid-American Conference to have to cover someone with wide receiver speed at the tight end position will open up a lot of opportunities for our offense downfield."
Brown's versatility became evident early on while he was in high school. He earned three letters in football and also in track and field while attending Bridgeport High School. The talented athlete was named first team all-conference as a defensive back during his senior season. Brown was also recognized on the offensive side of the ball his junior season receiving second team all-conference laurels as a quarterback.
His ability to contribute anywhere on the field allowed him to see game action as a true freshman in 2001. He filled in at wide receiver and had four receptions for a total of 46 yards on the season. Brown used that playing time to better prepare himself for his sophomore, junior, and upcoming senior seasons.
Brown is part of a family tree full of football tradition and skill. His uncle, Monty, played professional football for the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots, and his brother Isaac is a junior linebacker at CMU. Jacob admits there is friendly competition between Isaac and him, but insists, "I always try to finish ahead of my brother."
That friendly competition was forgotten for at least one day during the offseason. Jacob and his wife, Jami, were married on July 30, with Isaac standing as the best man.
While preseason camp meant long hours away from his new wife, her support of his football career has helped Brown balance the added responsibility of football and family.
"She's my backbone and my number one supporter," Brown said. "She always takes care of me when I come home from practice tired and sore. She understands that there are long hours during the season and she knows that this is what I love to do."
Brown has high hopes and expectations for this upcoming football season. He is solely focused on winning the MAC championship and defeating rival Western Michigan University one last time.
"Our long-term goals are to win a MAC championship and get a bowl ring," Brown said. "Those are the same every year. But right now we're taking it one thing at a time, and the most important thing right now is preparing to beat Indiana."
