Safety La’Shavion Brown ranks third on the team in tackles for Illinois State. The junior college transfer has emerged as a physical force in the secondary. (Photo by GoRedbirds.com)
By Dan Verdun
La’Shavion Brown grew up working for his father’s landscaping company. It taught him the value of a solid day’s work.
It also showed him how to rid an area of unwelcomed items.
“There’s this one yard back home that we work on. The job might sound simple, but it’s pulling weeds. Oh, my goodness!” Brown told Prairie State Pigskin. “It’s very time-consuming but very satisfying (when you’re done).”
Where once he cleared unsightly growth, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound safety now cleans up on opposing players.
“I like to play physical,” Brown said.
Veteran Illinois State head coach Brock Spack said Brown is growing into his role and can play either safety spot due to his size.
“He’s very athletic and he’s not afraid of contact,” Spack said. “He likes that part of it. He can run well. He’s still learning some of our system. I’m glad he’s here.”
After two seasons of junior college football, Brown came to Normal without seeing the campus. He discusses his decision to join the Redbirds, his family, his game day routine and identifies the friendliest ISU teammate.
Get to know Brown in our Moving the Chains Q&A series.
How did a guy from Fairhope, Alabama end up in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference?
Honestly, my recruiting coming out of high school wasn’t the best. I ended up reaching out to schools to get myself out there and finally I got attention from Hutchinson Community College. They texted me and wanted me to come for a visit. They offered me, and I felt like that was the best decision for me at that point in time.
How familiar were you with this league since it had been featured for two seasons on the Netflix docu-series “Last Chance U”?
I watched a few episodes, but I hadn’t really heard of Hutchinson. But once I went and talked to the coaches, I had a really good feeling about going there. That was a really good choice that I made.
Why did you choose Illinois State?
After talking to the coaches and hearing about the school, I did a little bit of research. They gave me the opportunity to play here and that meant a lot to me. I never really had an official visit. I kind of just came here when it was time.
It’s a great community. This is the place.
After playing in the Kansas community college circuit the past two years, what was it like to be in the starting lineup at FBS Oklahoma for the season opener?
It was a big experience for me because I had never played in a game like that before. But, I didn’t look at it like, ‘Wow, this a really big school’ and go into the game scared. This is what I was waiting for. I was ready to compete.
Are you an Alabama or Auburn fan?
Alabama, for sure (laughs). When I was younger, one of my favorite players was (receiver) Amari Cooper. There was Julio Jones and players like that.
Tell us about your family.
I have three sisters and two brothers. I’m kind of a middle child. There are my parents of course. My oldest brother is 24 and is playing basketball overseas. He played college ball at Murray State.
Jimmy Buffet is listed as one of the most famous people to come out of Fairhope. Are you familiar with his music, or do you have other tastes?
Honestly, not (laughs). I listen to a lot of old school R&B. That’s really my go-to most of the time. It’s very calming.
What are your game day rituals?
After I wake up, I like to listen to music as I get myself ready before I go to breakfast. I have my Beats on almost 24/7. That keeps me going throughout the day and gets my mind ready.
Describe a typical Sunday following a Saturday game.
That’s our recovery day, but we still have a small little practice or meeting. It’s a reset day. I try to get into my Bible as much as I can. I try to rest and get ready for the upcoming week. Of course, I watch the NFL games.
You have been described as a hitter by your coaches. Would you rather deliver a big hit or grab an interception?
I try to always get a big hit every game.
Knowing the way the rules are written, there is a fine line between a big hit and a penalty. What do you do in that moment to avoid drawing that flag?
I’m very conscious of head-to-head contact. I just try to stay (within the rules), but I sometimes put my head on the ball to try to knock it loose.
Who is the friendliest player on the ISU roster?
I would say (running back) Mason King. He’s always walking around with a smile on his face. When I got here, I didn’t know about his past (a season-ending injury last fall in the opener at Iowa). After hearing about that and knowing he doesn’t let that bring him down and walks around with a smile, it’s something. He’s a very happy guy.
Dan Verdun is a co-founder of Prairie State Pigskin. He has written four books: NIU Huskies Football, EIU Panthers Football, ISU Redbirds Football and SIU Salukis Football.
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