UW’s Brown blocks out bad freshman memories
Lineman was hurt in ’19 and backup last season
MADISON – Logan Brown's freshman year at Wisconsin was disheartening and forgettable.
“Yeah, you get really disconnected,” the redshirt sophomore offensive tackle said after practice this week. “That was a real struggle for me.”
Brown's struggle was physical, psychological and emotional:
He arrived at UW in the summer of 2019 after garnering All-America honors at East Kentwood High School in Michigan. He chose UW over offers from Michigan, Michigan State, Alabama, Florida and more than a dozen other schools.
Fans salivated at the thought of an All-American offensive tackle choosing UW over bluebloods.
Yet Brown missed the 2019 season because of shoulder and biceps injuries.
No workouts. No practices. No bond
ing with his new teammates. No learning all that is required to play the college game at a high level.
“You’ve got to learn while you’re not doing anything,” he said. “I’m still learning.
“I missed a year. Missed the most important year. It’s just a (steep) learning curve.”
Brown was healthy and hungry in March 2020 and was eager to participate in spring ball. He knew he needed the work.
“I was like: ‘OK, here we go. Here we go,’ ” he said. “Then – Boom!”
COVID-19 shut down college sports from coast to coast and Brown’s comeback was delayed. Like other players, he had to work out alone at home.
“You’re here for a reason,” he said, “so when you’re home you still have that obligation to work your butt off for your teammates, for your parents, for everybody that supports you.”
Brown played in all seven games last season, on special teams and as a reserve left tackle. He entered preseason camp last week still in catch-up mode, knowing he had to get as much work in as his mind and body could handle.
“This is the best I’ve felt in a very long time, probably since high school,” he said.
A left-leg injury to senior left tackle Tyler Beach, the projected starter, allowed Brown to work with the No. 1 unit.
Beach’s misfortune has been Brown’s good fortune.
“This is a really good and important time for him,” head coach Paul Chryst said of the 6-foot-6, 311-pound Brown. “The advantage of getting a lot of reps is you’ve got a chance to do something and, if it is (good), to repeat that. And if you make a mistake or are off on a technique, you can come back and get it (right).
“That’s where you’re always struggling with guys (only) getting mental reps. Logan is getting a ton of reps and this is a window when he’s got to take advantage of those reps.
“We talk about this all the time. Beacher goes down and it’s going to give someone an opportunity. What are you going to do with that opportunity?”
According to Brown, Beach is doing all he can to take advantage of his opportunity to mentor his younger teammate.
“That guy is one of the best guys, man,” Brown said. “That dude … he coaches me hard and it’s all out of love. That is what I truly do love about that guy.
“Even though he is down right now, he still wants me to be successful. He wants all of us to get better every single day.
“He sits right in front of me in the meeting room. He goes over film with me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Tyler.”