Joel Williams 28- Henry Brown

Henry Brown st edmund high

Class of 2021 defensive back ht: 5’8” wt: 140

By: dan Martin

Henry Brown is a 5’8 140lb Junior quarterback and defensive back from St. Edmund’s High in Eunice, LA. Brown is a multi-sport athlete, playing baseball and basketball for St. Edmunds alongside football. At the defensive back position, Brown possesses excellent vision with a great sense of reading opposing quarterbacks, having played the position himself. Brown’s work ethic is not only evident on the field, but also in the classroom where he boasts a cumulative GPA of a 4.0. I got the chance to speak with Henry about his time at St. Edmund’s and why he believes the future for the program is looking bright under new Head Coach James Shiver. What age did you first begin playing football and what specifically about the sport did you immediately get attached to? I first started around 2nd grade where I began playing flag football. Also, just being a kid playing the sport in the yard with friends and family got me interested in trying the real thing. Once I began playing for real, I realized the overall energy of the sport was incomparable to other sports, and the bonds that I was creating were extremely special. Who or what motivated you to continue playing the sport, even when things may not have gone your way? It was my brothers who inspired me to work hard and overcome any adversity I was faced with. They had experience with football and really knew how to properly set an example for me. Tell me a bit about your new head coach and what he has brought to the program? Coach Shiver loves being a Blue Jay and is extremely passionate about the program. He’s bringing back a lot of the traditions that made St. Edmund’s special and wants the students to be proud of their school. Is there any current or former player that you personally look up to as a role model or influential figure in the sport? For me it’s definitely Drew Brees. His attitude and passion towards football is extremely admirable. I remember seeing a video posted by Reggie Bush of him filming Drew Brees from the opposite side of the practice field. Brees was alone just going through his walk-thoughs and I was so inspired and amazed by that level of dedication to the game. Is there anything in the off-season that you wish to work on and improve upon? First, I want to continue to improve my football IQ. That’s something that can always be worked on. Second, I’m really focused on reading defenses and the different schemes. That will go a long way in improving my play as a QB. Outside of football, what are other sports that you are involved in at school? I’m also on the basketball and baseball team. I actually got involved with football my freshman year when I was asked by the football staff to come play QB after a playoff game. What has playing football for so long taught you as you have progressed though life as a young adult? Football reinforced to me the saying that hard work pays off. It truly does. Through all those long hours in the film room and putting in the time in the weightroom, you can directly see the results of all the hard work that you put in. In your opinion, what is the hardest part about being a football player in high school, or just as a high school athlete in general? Time management is probably the most difficult. Playing three sports can be hard to properly balance your time needed to make sure you’re giving each sport your absolute all. On the defensive side of the ball, what do you believe you specialize in and why? As a DB I believe I’m excellent in zone coverage. In zone, it allows you to read your assigned position on the field and serves as a great opportunity to be a play-maker. Lastly, what do you believe is a common misconception people may have about playing for a 1A program? People tend to not realize the level of athleticism we have on our roster. With being 1A, most of our athletes have to play both ways, which only makes us more well-rounded athletes and harder to prepare for.