Senior Devon Brown has turned things around and become a major contributor for the Neshaminy football team this season.
By Mary Jane Souder
Devon Brown always had talent.
That was never a question, and this year, the Neshaminy senior is displaying that talent as an impact player in the Redskins’ secondary.
“What really turned it around for me this season was – we had a good chance to go as far as we are now and also my dad passing away in the beginning of summer,” Brown said. “Those were two major factors. I finally was like, ‘I need to be here, and I need to do the right thing for my team.’
“It’s not just for me, but for my teammates too because it’s not fair to them that I haven’t really been doing my thing. I knew I was a big part of the football team and without me we might not be as far as we are.”
Prior to this season, Brown’s career, according to his coach, had been a roller coaster ride of sorts.
“The one thing that was always constant – he’s always had a great smile, and his talent was really good,” coach Mark Schmidt said. “I never really got me mad, but there were times when I was disappointed in him, and I think he was disappointed in himself.
“Academically and personally, he had some things to deal with – I guess priorities with how hard am I going to study? It put him behind the eight ball. We’ve had numerous conversations. It was never an excuse. It was always, ‘I understand, and I accept my responsibility.’”
Midway through the season last year, Brown’s grades began improving as did his approach to the game.
“It started to be fun – I had a good time when I was here,” he said.
The Redskins were 2-2 out of the gate last year but finished strong, advancing to the district semifinals where they fell to state runner-up Coatesville. The ‘Skins strong finish coincided with Brown’s turnaround.
“Halfway through the season, Devon realized, ‘Enough is enough. I’m letting everybody down, including myself,’” Schmidt said. “He realized how much he was letting down his friends.
“He really dove back in, and a big reason we beat CB South (in a second round district game) was his pass coverage. Why we beat Abington was because he covered their real good wideout. That’s Devon. He has been that guy.”
Early this past summer, Brown and Schmidt sat down and had a heart-to-heart talk.
“We got up, we hugged, and ever since then - he’s one of the first guys here, he’s out on the field and he’s excited,” Schmidt said. “Devon’s practicing and playing and acting like he just wants to keep on playing.”
Brown’s father, Bernard L. Brown, was a running back for Neshaminy in the mid ‘80s, and he is a member of the Hall of Fame. His passing inspired Brown to elevate his level of commitment to the team.
“It was just to make everybody proud,” he said.
Brown capped a stellar senior season with a first team all-league selection in the secondary. He delivered in a big way in Neshaminy’s 56-27 rout of Spring-Ford in a second round district playoff game. Brown had a pair of interceptions and ran one of them back for a touchdown. He also had a fumble recovery and three solo tackles.
“It’s been a good year,” Brown said. “We’re just one big family. We all love each other. This isn’t just a sport we play. It’s something we love to do.”
Brown acknowledges that he would enjoy playing at the collegiate level if given the opportunity, but for now, he’s focused on Saturday’s Eastern Final showdown against St. Joe’s Prep.
“The mood going into this week is a good one,” he said. “We’re excited to play St. Joe’s Prep. They’re going to be a good challenge. I’m (anxious) to see what happens.”
Whatever the outcome, it’s already been quite a season for Brown, who has been a difference maker for the Redskins.
"I couldn't be prouder of Devon Brown," Schmidt said.
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