Chris Brown waited patiently, biding his time until he could deliver punishing hits and celebrate by flexing his muscles.
Before the Elsik graduate emerged as the Texas Longhorns’ team captain and second-team All-Big 12 Conference safety, he paid his dues as an underclassmen.
Before Brown boosted his stock with NFL teams during a campus Pro Day workout this week, the Alief native put in a lot of work. Brown is optimistic it will all pay dividends after running the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds and posting a 36-inch vertical leap and a 6.85 three-cone drill and a 4.2 short shuttle in front of a crowd of NFL scouts and coaches.
That performance checked additional boxes for a productive defensive starter who opted out of the Alamo Bowl to prepare full-time for the draft. Brown recorded 47 tackles, two for loss, one interception, seven pass breakups, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a fifth-year senior.
Projected as a late-round draft pick or a priority free agent, Brown is unconcerned about where or when he winds up in the NFL. For him, it’s about proving that he’s a capable, deserving job candidate of a professional football career.
“It’s a blessing and a great opportunity,” said Brown, who’s training at ROI in Austin alongside NFL players like New England Patriots offensive tackle Trent Brown. “I want to be ready. I want to be that guy for whatever organization I wind up. It’s about constantly chasing the opportunity, keeping a foot up your own tail to consistently do it. I got to go get it. The team I wind up is definitely getting a wise, caring person who stays within those waters of being humble.
“I feel like I have a contagious playing style. I bring energy. I bring leadership. I’m definitely a player you can count on. I’m an every-down player who’s durable and has a nose for the football and a high IQ. I’m definitely that player who’s willing to do whatever I have to do to contribute and help the team win.”
At 5-foot-11, 187 pounds, Brown isn’t the biggest defensive back. He has a productive track record and a hard-hitting style. He played in 44 career games, starting 21 times. As a junior, he started 10 games and had 46 tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery and three tackles for loss.
During his first two seasons in Austin, Brown started twice and had 12 tackles with one sack and an interception as a a sophomore after primarily playing on special teams as a freshman.
At Elsik, Brown was a two-time all-district selection, a Houston Chronicle Greater Houston top 100 selection who intercepted eight passes in his final two high school seasons. Brown overcame the loss of his grandmother, Debra Smith, who helped raise him before succumbing to cancer. He chose Texas over Michigan and 33 other scholarship offers, including Arizona State, UCLA and Florida.
As a freshman, Brown was nicknamed “Peanut” by former Texas coach Charlie Strong.
Whatever he lacks in size, Brown makes up for it with heart.
“I’m definitely a high-character individual who cares about giving back and cares about the community,” Brown said. “I’m all about vibes and bringing good energy. In my story in college, I checked off every box and soaked up the game. I got my degree and I got five years of experience.
“I’m not expecting to come in and be a starter in the NFL right off the bat. I’ve been through everything. I’ve been at the bottom before. I’m very prepared for the next level.”
Brown majored in education and youth and community studies. He’d like to coach or be involved in counseling youth.
Brown has the support of Houston-based Mokaram Law Firm, including Texas alum Ali Mokaram, and Houston-based sports agent Shawn Aslani.
“Shawn knew some guys and I’m building relationships and building bridges and we’re all intertwined,” Brown said. “I’m with some very good people, guys like Shawn.”
Mokaram was inspired by Brown as soon as he met him and wanted to show support and help guide his career.
“Chris is a standup guy,” Mokaram said. “We love having him as a part of our team and being a part of his journey.”