Corey Brown Jr.
Defensive Tackle / Valdosta State
Alex Khvatov: What are your measurements (height, weight and forty time)?
Corey Brown Jr: 6’3, 321 pounds today and 5.2.
Alex Khvatov: How did you prepare for the 2020 season with no offseason training?
Corey Brown Jr: We were fortunate enough that we had spring practices and a spring game. We started in February before Covid went around the world. I was blessed to be in shape. I had trainers at home. I did strength training with Selton Hodge. He is a former NCAA LB who played at Richmond. He took over for my Godfather at Monster Maker training facility. I also worked with former Maryland DL Cam Spence. He helped me with my technique, and we did different drills.
Alex Khvatov: Besides football, what other sports did you play in high school?
Corey Brown Jr: When I was younger, I played a little bit of basketball. I also trained with short sprinters. I worked on my speed technique.
Alex Khvatov: What positions did you play in high school?
Corey Brown Jr: I played OL and DL. I played C, OG, and DT.
Alex Khvatov: Coming out of high school, what programs showed interest in you?
Corey Brown Jr: I had a lot of problems. Academically, I wasn’t up to par. I was ineligible. I went to JUCO. I went to Arizona Western. It was the farthest from home. Freshman year, I was an honorable mention as an OL and DL. I played both ways. I was second team all-conference as a DT during my sophomore year.
Alex Khvatov: How did you wind up at Valdosta State?
Corey Brown Jr: I did two years at Arizona Western. I actually ended up at Central Oklahoma for a year. It was the best fit for me on the table. They played in the best conference at D-II level. I was a rotational guy. I played first string and second string. Then I got hurt and missed the last four games of the season. I realized that it wasn’t the best fit for me from a personal standpoint. It was too far from home. I entered the transfer portal, and my recruitment picked back up. Valdosta State offered me. It was all business. The coach told me that they would work with me, and I will earn my spot. They believed I could be dominant.
Alex Khvatov: What can we expect from your team this upcoming season?
Corey Brown Jr: We are looking to being dominant. This is what they have done in the previous years. Expect greatness from us. During the pandemic, we have been following the rules, but we have kept the foot on the gas pedal.
Alex Khvatov: What are your strengths?
Corey Brown Jr: Being the anchor of the defense and interrupting the vision of a RB. Being an impact guy. I make plays. I move well for my size.
Alex Khvatov: What areas of your game are you trying to improve upon?
Corey Brown Jr: Being more consistent in pass rushing. As a run defender, not being too anxious to get to the secondary gap.
Alex Khvatov: What is the highlight of your career up to this point?
Corey Brown Jr: Playing at a championship game at a junior college against East Mississippi my freshman year. I made two TFL’s back-to-back and forced a punt. We lost by three points. The score was 31-28.
Alex Khvatov: What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your coaching staff?
Corey Brown Jr: Just to listen and not talk. Being that guy who is ready to go to work.
Alex Khvatov: What is your favorite NFL team?
Corey Brown Jr: My favorite team is the Philadelphia Eagles. My mom is a big fan. She was a fan of Randall Cunningham back in the day. I love them.
Alex Khvatov: Who is your favorite NFL player?
Corey Brown Jr: My all-time favorite player was Warren Sapp. His ability to read plays and get to the QB. His mentality to play angry and with emotion. He would bring the energy to his team.
Alex Khvatov: What players on your team should we keep an eye on for this upcoming season?
Corey Brown Jr: QB Rogan Wells. His numbers say it all. He has a very humble approach. C/OG Jerome Brown was the number center at JUCO. He has great hand placement. DE Thomas Incoom always chases down QB’s. He had 14 tackles at our spring game.
Alex Khvatov: Who is the best player that you have faced on an opposing team?
Corey Brown Jr: Titans CB D’Andre Payne. I played against him in high school. I was watching him play CB and WR. He was explosive. He inspired me to play harder. He beat me every time with his 4.35 speed.
Alex Khvatov: What is the most important trait for a DL?
Corey Brown Jr: The mentality for a DL. It is our job to react and play aggressively. It is like a boxing ring. You keep your eyes on the opponent and play aggressively every single play.
Alex Khvatov: What do you enjoy most about football?
Corey Brown Jr: The bond that football builds. I am watching my high school friends playing in college. I still talk to my old coaches. The bond is special. It is a lot of blood, sweat and tears every single day.
Alex Khvatov: What are your hobbies?
Corey Brown Jr: I love to read a lot, To Kill a Mockingbird is my favorite book. I watch football and TV.
Alex Khvatov: What do you want to do with your life after your football career is over?
Corey Brown Jr: I have a 3.65 GPA. I am a communications major. I want to become a broadcaster. It doesn’t have to be sports. I always watched the news a lot when I was young. I want to be uplifting news. I wanted to make the news better. It would be great to be a news anchor or a broadcaster.
Alex Khvatov: What five words best describe you?
Corey Brown Jr: Strong, humble, mentality, lovable, and determined.
