Five years ago Baker gunslinger Mack Brown was the No. 2-rated high school quarterback in the state of Kansas.
His gifted arm accumulated prep accolades and Division I recruiting letters from all over the country, including the University of Colorado and Ole Miss.
After his senior season at Shawnee Mission North High School, Brown decided to venture out west on I-70 and signed a letter of intent with Colorado coach Gary Barnett.
“When I was out (in Colorado), it felt like home,” Brown said. “I really liked the coaches out there at the time and fit in well with the team personally. But then when coach Barnett got fired in December, there was no telling whether I would have had a chance with the new coach, (Dan) Hawkins, so I decided to transfer.”
After his freshman year at Colorado, Brown began the recruiting process all over again. This time, NCAA FBS and NCAA Division II coaches decided to throw their hats in the ring for Brown’s services. So did Baker’s head coach Mike Grossner.
“Mack and I hit it off well from day one,” Grossner said. “We knew he would fit in our system.”
But Brown had a laundry list of reasons why Baker would be his new home.
“Dan and Peggy Harris are lifelong friends of my family,” he said. “My sister graduated from here, and I had a sense of familiarity with the school. When I went to Colorado, I didn’t know anybody. Here I have people I know, and it’s close to home.”
Four years and 11 school records later, it’s safe to say Brown has situated himself nicely. That’s not to say the journey hasn’t been bumpy, however.
“I’m sure there were some times during his freshman year when he was getting hit a lot, and we weren’t winning that he wondered when everything was going to happen for him,” Grossner said. “But now, I don’t think he has any regrets with his decision.”
Fresh off BU’s first National Playoff appearance in 16 years, Brown is excited with the turnaround. A turnaround Grossner believes has an awful lot to do with his man under center.
“Mack is the best quarterback I’ve ever coached,” he said. “It’s uncanny how he sees the game as it’s happening. There’s pros that can’t do that and have to rely on instincts.”
Brown’s instincts aren’t too shabby either, however. They certainly didn’t disappoint Grossner and the rest of the team at the conclusion of last season when Brown announced he’d be back next year to finish his eligibility.
“It’s unreal how lucky we are to have him back,” junior wide receiver Cody Conover said. “He knows the system so well. It’s exciting for us (wide receivers) to know that he’s going to put the ball on you when you’re open.”
While Brown’s legacy as the best statistical quarterback in BU history has been solidified, he would still like to see a few things happen before it’s all said and done.
“Next year I want to win a HAAC championship and get some playoff victories,” he said.
