Interview: 2022 QB Emmett Brown Talks Transfer to Mater Dei and Elite 11 Performance
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The 2019 season gave rise to a new California gunslinger – Emmett Brown. The Class of 2022 talent took on Division-I California competition slinging the rock for over 2,000 yards with 19 touchdowns and showed the beginnings of his dual-threat abilities rushing for 150 yards with six more scores going up on the board for San Marcos High School. Over the offseason, the 5-11, 185-pound, rising star transferred to national powerhouse Mater Dei with the goal of taking over for five-star 2020 Alabama signee Bryce Young. Playing for the Monarchs will bring extra recruiting attention that will pair with his early offer from Old Dominion.
In an RNG first-look interview, Brown and I sat down covering his 2019 performance, working with his new teammates, and performance at the Elite 11’s California regional.
Interview
Emmett, you had a big sophomore season showing off the gun slinging the ball around for San Marcos. Looking back, how do you feel the season went for you personally?
“Personally, I saw a lot of growth, more mentally with my understanding of the game with quicker speed. I played JV my freshman year, that is still a jump. I was growing mentally and seeing different coverages. I grew in that area.”
The offense gave the defense multiple looks from four out and with a tight end on the line. What offense were you running and what were some of the sets you guys gave defenses to think about?
“We were mainly a Spread offense, but in times of need we would go under center in an I-formation. We ran it making teams prepare for that (I-formation). The tight end, that was another thing they had to prepare for. Our offensive coordinator did a lot of moving guys around from a 10 to 11-personnel, we went double back as well. We had a mixture of formations.”
What were some of the routes you were hitting last season?
“One of my personal favorites was the single side comeback. If we needed a first down, we went trips right and ran the comeback. Bang-8, we loved running that one. We liked the quick-outs so we could get the ball out and let our playmakers do the work. We were doing crossing routes and a lot of rubs.”
Your arm stands out. You can throw on a line, with touch, and deliver off-platform throws with pressure on you. Do you have a baseball background?
“I do, a little bit. I played back in grade school. A lot of that comes naturally.”
We touched on this a little bit a minute ago; seeing different looks from defenses, how did the mental part of your game develop last year?
“When I was younger, you get two coverages to go against. My freshman year a little bit more. At varsity, everyone is smarter and older, they run different defenses. In the film room I dove in so I could understand the responsibilities within the coverages. I love breaking down film and learning that side of the game. Watching the college and pros, I am seeing the coverages and what they are doing. It is a different way of watching football.”
How did your overall skill set develop last season?
“Me getting quicker and learning the speed of the game. My leadership improved; that was huge for me. Stepping into that role was challenging, but it brought a side out of me that I needed to improve on. In the offense, I was anticipating things. Knowing the coverages, you can anticipate things.”
Over the offseason you transferred to Mater Dei. What offense will you be running with the Monarchs in 2020?
“Most know we are an Air Raid offense. We love throwing the ball. We will be in the Spread getting the ball out and let our players do their job.”
Before everything started shutting down, did you have a chance to start throwing with your new receivers?
“Yes, sir. We did. I would get some of the receivers together. Kyron Ware-Hudson and I, we are on the same on 7v7. We had practices twice a week together throwing the ball around and learning the offense. We’ve been growing together.”
What have you been working on with your game this offseason?
“I’m working on learning coverages. Coming into the Trinity League, stuff is quicker and faster. I am speeding up everything. I am getting faster with my foot-speed and my overall speed of the game. I am working on my mechanics; I am always fine-tuning them. I am getting better at knowing my body and making off-platform throws.”
Rolling into recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“My QB coach let me know that Penn State, Miami, and Louisville are showing interest. There are a lot of coaches following me on Twitter.”
Have you received that first big offer?
“Yes; from Old Dominion.”
Are there any planned visits on the schedule once everything opens up?
“Our 7v7 team was supposed to go to USC and Cal.”
Before the virus shut down all the camps, I saw you compete at the Elite 11. How did that camp go for you?
“It was a great experience. I had a great day. I’m not one to talk about myself, but I feel like I had a strong day. I showed I don’t have to be 6-4-inches to throw the ball and get noticed. I can sling it, and I showed coming from a smaller school to being on the national spotlight that I can handle it. It was a great experience. Seeing a lot of my friends there was cool too.”
Emmet, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts with the new teammates.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Elite 11/Brown family; Emmett Brown at the 2020 Elite 11 Regional (CA)