Interview: 4-Star 2022 Illinois RB Kaleb Brown is Impressive Beyond Expectations
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
All it took was four plays for the legend of Kaleb Brown to begin in the Chicago area – just four. The 5-11, 183-pound, freshman got four carries for St. Rita High School in 2018 and covered 68 yards with those opportunities. The explosive play-making abilities were on display a year ago and all that talent and promise is coming to fruition in 2019 seeing the Mustangs rising star run rough for 311 yards off 53 totes with five trips into the end zone. What was not on display last season was his all-purpose nature; that is coming through in a hurry with six receptions covering 121 yards with another score posted. What’s left is to see how far Brown can push his talents and what he can achieve in 2019.
Brown’s gifts have earned him four-star recruiting status and the admiration of five colleges so far; Cincinnati, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Minnesota. To learn about one of Illinois’ top talents, I went in-depth with Brown.
Interview
Kaleb, you are off to a breakout season. You are ripping through defenses with your speed and power. What is working for you allowing you to be so successful this early in the season?
“I feel like practicing and working with my team is the key. The way we are set up in practice, we work with our offensive line a lot. We do 7v7 with the receivers and then I go and rep out with offensive line on all our plays. Working with our offensive line is making me more successful knowing which holes to hit. Come game time it is way easier.”
Your speed is next level. What is the best-timed run you’ve posted?
“In the 100-meter, I ran a 10.7.”
Wow. That is fast. What type of offense do the Mustangs run?
“We run a two-back set out of the Shotgun. We mix it up a lot. Sometimes we go one-back and we run the Spread.”
In which ways are the coaches getting you the ball?
“I am running a lot of inside zone runs. I am more dangerous on the outside, I run some designed plays out there. I am running routes this season in a special formation for me in the slot. When I am in the slot, we have trips to one side and I am on the other side singled up with a defensive back.”
How did you prepare for your sophomore season over the spring and summer months?
“Playing with Boom (7v7) was a big factor. I have personal trainer I go to, but working with my team mostly was the main way I prepared. I worked a lot on my footwork, agility, powering off the ball and being more explosive.”
I like your drive and balance when you run. You certainly do not go down easy. What are some of the other traits to your game?
“Fighting for extra yards. I feel like I can pick things apart. If we are not moving as a team, I can get it going. I don’t like going down. Staying on my feet and fighting for extra yards is the goal.”
Did you attend any college camps this summer?
“Yes. I went to a Notre Dame and a Lindenwood Mega Camp.”
How did the Notre Dame camp go?
“It went really well. It was raining. We went through the drills and combine outside and then we went inside the practice facility for the one-on-ones. All the coaches around were showing interest in me at that camp.”
Which game has been your best this season?
“The JCA, Joliet Catholic game. I scored two touchdowns in that game; I believe. I don’t remember the stats.”
All players worth their stock work on their game throughout the season, even NFL guys. Which areas of your game are you constantly working on to push forward?
“I am always working on my IQ. It is my goal to know every position and every play, and where everyone is going and why. I am working on breaking down defenses better knowing where plays will hit.”
It is like having a cheat code for those who put that time into their game.
“Yes, sir.”
What goals have you set to accomplish this season?
“My goal is going to the playoffs and winning state. For personal goals, I want to get to 30 touchdowns. I want to get as close as I can to 30.”
As the season heats up, which schools are showing interest?
“Notre Dame, Missouri, and Michigan.”
I know you have some offers, how many offers do you have now?
“I have five offers. I just got Cincinnati yesterday (Monday).”
Congratulations.
“Thank you.”
Have you had a chance to visit any schools outside of the camps?
“Yes. I have visited Illinois.”
How did that visit go?
“It went really well. I met a lot of different people during that visit.”
Kaleb, congratulations to the great start to your sophomore season. I hope all your goals are achieved this year.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: K Smith SmugMug.com; No. 35 Kaleb Brown