Interview: Louisiana 2018 TE/LB Kendall Brown is Flying Under the Radar for Now

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Most sophomores are lucky to make the gridiron much less carve out a starting spot during their first season on the varsity squad. Kendall Brown worked his way not only into a starting spot midway through the season but displayed enough athleticism to get playing time on both sides of the ball for Parkway High School.

Parkway High School is not the run of the mill average team. The Panthers posted a 12-2 record under head coach David Feaster in 2015 making a run into the semifinals before falling to a really tough Zachary squad. Brown wedged a way onto the field lining up primarily at tight end but then also worked his way into an outside linebacker/safety hybrid spot showing a lot of promise for the 2016 season.

The Bossier City area native is not ready to be anointed the next best recruit in the state of Louisiana, but he does merit some attention coming in at 6’0”, 225 pounds. A couple of schools have already started showing interest including Jackson State and Southern Arkansas.

Before Brown has a breakout junior campaign, I sat down with him for a Recruiting News Guru exclusive interview getting an idea on how his sophomore season played out, found out about his offseason workouts, and got a tentative offseason camp schedule.

Interview

Kendall, you played a little bit on both sides of the ball last year. Which position are you better at right now, tight end or the linebacker/safety hybrid spot?

“My best position is probably the tight end spot but I like playing strong safety.”

What are some of the things that you do well as a tight end that helped you crack the starting lineup midway through the season?

“Probably my route running, catching the ball, and my run blocking.”

Do you know your stats from last season?

“No.”

If you had to guess, what was your stat line from last year?

“My best guess would be six touchdowns, some pancake blocks – maybe 15, and between 200 to 300 yards receiving.”

When you line up as a safety, what do you do well?

“I like to hit. I can come down hill and make the big hit. We did not do a lot of coverage. We just ran after the ball on each play.”

What was your stat line on defense?

“I only got a lot of time in on defense for one game. I’d guess I had 17 total tackles but 11 were solo.”

What are your goals for the 2016 football season?

“My goals are to double my stats from last year and win a state championship. I want to rack up all the offers I can.”

What are you working on in offseason to prepare for your junior year?

“I go to a personal trainer to work on my speed. I have good strength but I am trying to get my 40 time better.”

What is the best 40-yard dash time you have ran so far?

“A 4.58 and 4.6.”

Have you maxed out on bench, squat, or power clean lately?

“My bench max is 295, squat 495, and power clean is 225.”

That is impressive for your size and running in the 4.5-4.6 range.

“Thank you.”

Do you expect to play on both sides of the ball next season?

“Yes.”

Are you anticipating starting both ways?

“Yes I am.

Which schools are showing recruiting interest in you?

“I am visiting Jackson State this weekend.”

Is this your first unofficial visit?

“Yes sir.”

What are you excited to see or learn during your trip to Jackson State?

“I’m excited to see what it is like, I have never been on one before.”

Are you going to any one-day college camps coming up?

“I’ve been invited to Southern Arkansas and an IMG Academy camp. I’m trying to attend a Rivals camp, Louisiana Tech, and LSU camp coming up.”

Which position will you attend the camps playing?

“As a wide receiver.”

How are things going for you in the classroom?

“I have a 2.9 GPA but I am trying to get it up to a 3.0 by the end of the semester.”

What is your favorite subject in school?

“Biology. I want to study anatomy in school.”

Is there a player at either of the next levels you enjoy watching play the game?

“I’m a big fan of Odell Beckham Jr. (wide receiver New York Giants). I watch everything he does and try to perfect it.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“What has really impacted my career and made me realize how serious I need to take it is Brandon Harris (starting quarterback for LSU). We sit down and talk a lot about football. He teaches me how the process will be and how stressful it can be. He works with me on my route running so I can do everything right.”

Very nice. Kendall, thanks for your time today and enjoy your visit to Jackson State.

“Thank you.”

Photo credit: bossierpress.com; No. 8 Kendall Brown.