KU coach Lance Leipold raves about linebacker JB Brown: ‘Guy that’s really stood out’
Kansas linebacker JB Brown is heading into his senior season feeling slightly different from past campaigns.
“It’s been going very good,” he said. “I feel way better. I feel faster out there. And all the guys are just coming together. “
Don’t just take Brown’s word for it — Kansas coach Lance Leipold name-dropped him on Tuesday.
“The guy that’s really stood out and playing some good football is JB Brown,” Leipold said. “He’s playing fast and confident. You can tell he’s really comfortable with what he’s supposed to be doing with our defense and he keeps showing up.”
So what’s different this season?
“It’s really just learning my job and just trusting the defense as well,” Brown said. “Just reading my keys and taking the coaching very well. (I’m working on) my flexibility, keeping my pads low, my hips in and (staying) low.”
Kansas linebackers coach Chris Simpson has seen significant strides from Brown since last season. Brown played in all 13 games in 2023, finishing with 57 tackles and two forced fumbles.
“He’s big, he’s fast, he’s physical — all those things,” Simpson said. He was a little more of a see-ball, get-ball guy a year ago. … Going through the season, now with a full spring ball, he knows what he’s doing. It’s not just using those tools but really knowing his role and what his job is.
“In terms of being a vocal leader, he’s earned the respect of the locker room. If he says something, it carries some weight and guys listen. He’s showing up. In terms of camp, right now, he’s probably shown up the most.”
With the departure of linebackers Craig Young and Rich Miller, Brown has a even bigger role than just his on-field work.
“I was prepared for it,” Brown said. “I know I had to step up and lead the defense. Other guys have stepped (up) as well.”
Brown told The Star being a leader comes naturally for him, but he’s still working on becoming more vocal.
In fact, the former Bowling Green player pointed out a specific moment in which he felt he had earned the respect of his teammates.
“I kind of felt it last year after camp,” he said. “They saw me doing good. I kind of took that next step this year; I became more vocal and (began) talking more.”
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 5:30 AM with the headline "KU coach Lance Leipold raves about linebacker JB Brown: ‘Guy that’s really stood out’."
