From hometown hero to ESPN

It was late 2020 when ESPN announced the development of the Inaugural Red Tails classic. Sponsored by Boeing, The Red Tails Classic was created to celebrate Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs). This year, the classic will feature Tuskegee University and Fort Valley State University, at the historic Cramton Bowl, in Montgomery, Alabama. The Boeing Red Tails Classic will serve as a tribute to honor the Tuskegee Airmen, who formed the 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group in World War II.

Among the active players for the classic, is former Perry native and versatile athlete, Jhi’Marre Brown. Brown is entering his senior season as a member of the Fort Valley State Wildcats. Brown explained how he feels confidant going into their first game. “Coach Flowers has instilled a different culture here at FVSU.”

Coach Maurice Flowers is looking to move his FVSU coaching record to 3-0 after an undefeated spring campaign. It’ll be up to veteran players like Brown to lead the pack this season. “Coach Flowers and his coaching staff hold my teammates and I accountable. We are more in sync because of their constant discipline,” said Brown. Reminiscing about his past, Brown mentioned, “The longest reception of my career came against Tuskegee during my sophomore season, so I’m looking to produce more of that.”

As stellar wide out at Perry High School, Brown made it a challenge for many opposing secondaries. Recently switching from wide receiver to tight end, he has endured a few challenges of his own. “The position switch has definitely been a challenge. It’s more physicality involved at the tight end position. I’m not just blocking corners anymore. At tight end, I’m usually blocking defensive ends and linebackers. I’ve gained 21 pounds over the summer months, and I now weigh 218. Switching positions has become a daily grind that I have grown accustomed to.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has many collegiate athletes like Brown patiently anticipating the return to scheduled sporting events. “I am very anxious for having a full-season this year. It never gets old catching butterflies and sharing priceless moments.”

Fort Valley State competes in the NCAA division II, Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Many experts are looking at this matchup as a rematch for the Wildcats, as they lost a 17-6 SIAC Championship game, in 2017.

“I want us to win it all this year,” said Brown. “I am a team first kind-of-guy and I don’t dwell on personal accolades. I am just thankful for God’s plan.”

Brown not only produces on the field, but in the classroom as well. “I understand that there’s more to life than football, so I consistently work hard in the classroom. You can’t do anything without grades.” Brown also mentioned that his motivation comes from his mother, who’s always pushing him on and off the field. As a final message to middle Georgia athletes, Brown stated, “Consider attending HBCUs, whether you go D1 or D2, work hard and treat the classrooms like the field.”

Kick-off for the Boeing Red Tails Classic is set for Sunday, September 5 at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN and ESPNU.

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