FSU Commit Josh Brown Once Hated Football, Now It's His Ticket to College

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Picture Florida State commit Josh Brown, a 4-star linebacker and the No. 7 player out of the state of North Carolina, learning the ropes of the game of football as an elementary school student—and lined up at left tackle.

Now picture that kid unhappy. Miserable. Constantly upset that he's playing a sport he can't stand. Frustrated that he's learning to be good at something he has absolutely no desire to do.

"I couldn't stand going to football practice every day," Brown said. "We'd start off with head-to-head drills; I hated that. I hated hitting. I didn't know anything about the sport."

For years, that was Brown's life. He only played the sport, he said, because his father wanted him to. He was an athlete who generally had a high level of aggression, but he didn't love football.

That is, not until Brown, the son of a preacher and the youngest of five siblings, realized that channeling aggression using football was welcomed, almost considered an unwritten rule. From then on, something clicked in Brown. Football was fun. A lot of fun.

Now Brown, the nation's No. 14 outside linebacker, wonders how he'd ever live without the game. It's a game that has won him several accolades, earned him multiple college scholarships and allowed him to commit to a school that knows something about winning national championships.

"When I started making plays on the field and realizing I can hit people and not get in trouble for it, it was a good situation from them on," Brown said. "My dad kind of forced me into it, but I thank him for doing it."

'I can be good at this'

Brown, a defensive standout for Mallard Creek High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, remembers seventh grade as a time of pancaking defenders. He remembers that adrenaline rush of putting larger athletes on their backs in an effort to open holes for his running backs and quarterbacks.

And then in the ninth grade, he was moved to the other side of the ball. He tried out a different position, defensive end, and fell in love.

"When I started making plays on the field, I said, 'Hey, I can be good at this,'" Brown said, "It was new to me. I knew I was in a good situation from then on."

Brown now is a hybrid defender, a 6'3", 220-pound buzz saw who can play outside linebacker in any scheme, as well as defensive end in an athletically schemed 3-4 formation. Even though he's a nationally ranked outside linebacker, he worked out at The Opening Charlotte regional over the weekend with the defensive ends.

And oftentimes in one-on-one situations, he dominated. What was most intriguing was that Brown never wanted to get off the field. The Opening coaches frequently had to tell him to give other players a turn.

That alone should make Florida State fans happy, as well as head coach Jimbo Fisher and his staff.

"I'm trying to get better; I'm always trying to get better," Brown said. "I want to play as much as possible. I'll fight for playing time if I have to."

First chance, rewarded

Brown has 15 offers from coast to coast, including Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, South Carolina and UCLA. Choosing Florida State, however, was much easier than some might have expected.

"I kind of knew from the jump," said Brown, who committed last September. "When somebody gives you a first chance without having film or anything like that...they took a chance on me."

The Seminoles were the first to offer Brown in April 2014. He was there for Florida State's spring game and had built a strong relationship with then-defensive ends coach Sal Sunseri, who now is an assistant coach with the Oakland Raiders.

Before boarding a plane for an unofficial West Coast tour of Stanford, UCLA and USC, Brown received news to give Florida State a call. It was then when he found out he had his first offer.

"My dad starting crying. He was super excited," he said. "It was a really big moment."

Since Sunseri's departure, Brown has been in contact with both Brad Lawing, Sunseri's replacement as defensive ends coach, and running backs coach Jay Graham, a North Carolina native who recruits that area. Brown's commitment to Florida State is stronger than ever with the help of those two.

That's something of importance, considering Brown loves to travel and see other schools. He most recently took an unofficial visit to Oregon, calling it "amazing" and comparing the atmosphere to "a spaceship" with all the high technology and futuristic sites of the campus.

While he said he'll take multiple visits, Brown said his heart is still with Florida State. He added that he's looking to graduate early.

"I'm just ready to get there," he said.

Leading and serving through faith

Brown's first name, Joshua, is Biblical and translated on various sites as "God is my salvation." Brown was taught to be a follower of God, someone willing to pass on God's tutelage and someone who will be a leader through God's word.

As the son of Bishop Fred Brown, who teaches at The Faith Center Church, with locations in Bluefield, West Virginia and Charlotte, Josh has grown up all his life in the church. His faith is something he takes very seriously.

"It's everything," he said. "God is the only reason why I have what I have right now. I wake up every morning and thank him every day."

Brown said he's been an active member in the church for as long as he could remember. As a young boy, he would hold a bucket to help the church collect offerings. Now, he assists more with sound technology.

His faith has been a primary contributor in his game and his recruiting process. And he uses that faith to be a leader for Mallard Creek, a back-to-back North Carolina Class 4A state champion in football.

Expect him to do the same for the Seminoles.

"I have a super-strong relationship with God," he said. "I've got to be a leader."

Damon Sayles is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand. All player ratings are courtesy of 247Sports' composite ratings. Follow Damon via Twitter: @DamonSayles