| Justin Brown |
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The benefits of participating in a bowl game go far beyond the opportunity to play one more game at the end of a season. Earning the opportunity to play in a bowl game means an additional 15 practices for a team leading up to the post-season contest. Following a breakout season in 2010, junior wideout Justin Brown took full advantage of the extra practice to springboard into 2011. The highly-skilled Brown took additional steps forward during the preparation time for the Outback Bowl against Florida and is poised to become a larger contributor in the passing game. A potential All-Big Ten candidate, Brown brings excellent size, speed and athleticism to the receiving corps. The former Concord HS all-state selection tied for third on the team with 33 receptions for 452 yards (13.7) and one touchdown in 2010. Brown played in all 13 games last season, including eight starts, and has demonstrated the ability to provide big plays in the passing game. The hard worker with good hands also is a significant contributor on special teams and could return punts for the third-straight season. Brown is one of five returning Nittany Lions from Delaware.
2010 Sophomore Season
It was a breakout season for Brown, as he started eight games and played in every contest. He was third on the team with 33 receptions for 452 yards (13.7) and one touchdown. He made three receptions for 35 yards against Youngstown State, with a long of 23 yards, and made one catch for 20 yards at No. 1 Alabama. In his first career start, he made one grab for nine yards against Kent State. Brown set then-career-bests with four catches for 84 yards in the win over Temple. He had a career-long 33-yard grab and also a huge 27-yard catch on third down to keep the Lions' 96-yard touchdown drive alive in the fourth quarter against the Owls. He made four catches, good for 42 yards, in the Big Ten-opener at Iowa and made two catches for 14 yards in the win at Minnesota. Brown made a big 15-yard catch for a first down in the fourth quarter of the primetime victory over Michigan. The drive ended with a Collin Wagner field goal for a 10-point lead with 5:43 to play. Brown had a strong game at Ohio State, catching a then-career-high five passes for 64 yards, including his first career touchdown reception, a 23-yarder from Matt McGloin. He made four receptions for 50 yards against Indiana. Brown re-set his career-highs in receptions and receiving yards against No. 10 Michigan State, catching six passes for 106 yards, his first career 100-yard receiving game. Brown saw action on 575 snaps, topped by 67 against Florida in the 2011 Outback Bowl and 52 in the historic comeback win over Northwestern.
2009 Freshman Season
Brown made his debut in the win over Syracuse and played in 11 games. He made five receptions for 78 yards for an impressive 15.6-yard average. He also provided a spark for the punt return unit, with seven returns that included the team's two longest of the season -- 20 yards against Eastern Illinois and 18 yards in the big win over LSU in the Capital One Bowl. Brown's most notable game was a three-catch, 45-yard effort against Eastern Illinois. In the 34-13 win at Northwestern, he made a season-long 27-yard grab. He saw action on 120 snaps, topped by 26 against Eastern Illinois and 16 at Michigan State. He was one of eight true freshmen to see playing time.
High School
Brown earned all-state honors as a wideout and defensive back for Coach George Kosanovich at Concord HS. He recorded 27 catches for 500 yards and 11 touchdowns his senior season. Rivals.com named him a four-star recruit and the top prep player in Delaware in 2008. As a junior, he was named first-team all-state at defensive back and second-team all-state at wide receiver, as well as first-team all-county at wide receiver, defensive back and punter.
Personal
Full name is Justin G. Brown. He is undecided on a major. Born March 10, 1991.
