The XFL 2023 Rookie Draft is fast approaching, which means there are plenty of prospects available for signing. Cam Brown, a defensive end out of Murray State, is one of those draft hopefuls, looking to take his next steps in his professional career in the XFL.
For those unaware about the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft, it will be held virtually on Friday, June 16th. There will be 10 rounds, meaning that 80 players will be selected during the event. Players must meet the following requirements:
– Eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft
– Not under contract with any professional football team
Breaking: The @XFL2023 has just announced that they will be hosting their 2023 Rookie Draft on Friday, June 16th.
Players must meet the following requirements:
– Eligible to have been drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft
– Not under contract by a professional football team#XFLDraft pic.twitter.com/fi7JdiheB2— James Larsen (@JamesLarsenPFN) May 18, 2023
With this in mind, let’s take a look at Cam Brown’s career so far, and what he can bring to an XFL franchise next spring.
High School & College Career
Brown played his high school ball at Walnut Grove, out of Loganville Georgia. There, he played as both a defensive end and tight end, generating film and tape on both sides of the football.
After spending a few years there, Cam garnered interest from Savannah State, eventually joining the team for the 2019 college season. In 2019, he compiled 28 tackles, 7 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and 2 FR.
Of course, COVID-19 would get in the way for the foreseeable future. In 2021, Brown was nominated to the “Black College Football Player Of The Year” watch list.
— Cam M. Brown (@bigspoonk) September 27, 2022
He would then make a move in 2022, transferring to Murray State. There, he impressed, racking up: 27 tackles, 7 TFL, 1 INT, 3 PD, and a blocked field goal to close out his resume in college.
— Cam M. Brown (@bigspoonk) September 27, 2022
Now, the focus shifts to the XFL, and beyond.
Cam Brown Interview
Q: “Thanks for joining me today, Cam. To start with: I’d love to hear more about how you got into playing the game of football. What got you hooked on the game, and when did you realize that this was what you wanted to do professionally?”
A: “I started playing football at the age of five. My older brothers played, but they weren’t all the way into football. Me playing at a younger age, I was always pretty good. Continuing to progress, and understood the game. My parents didn’t press football enough at a young age. They didn’t realize I had so much potential, but I continued playing and always stood out amongst my peers. Fell in love with it at five. My favorite player was Ray Lewis, just loved watching him play growing up.”
Q: “Take me through your time at Walnut Grove High School, and how you grew as a player there. I see you played both DE and TE in HS, what was it like being a two-way athlete, and how did that impact your career?”
A: “My time at Walnut Grove was amazing. I had some amazing coaching staffs. My sophomore year was when I really started playing, and I scored a touchdown in my first game. Ever since then, I thought that I might’ve had something going…maybe I could make it to college. In my family, education was the most important thing besides football, so I wanted to use this as an opportunity to get to college. In high school I played everywhere, but I really felt comfortable playing defensive end. Picking up on schemes, personnel. Just continued to work, stay disciplined, and stay humble. God presented everything else.”
Q: “Coming out of high school, you land at Savannah State and see some successful years there. What brought you to Savannah State, and how did it all play out in committing to the school?”
A: “Funny story, in high school I wasn’t really heavily recruited. I took a visit to Georgia Tech, but that was about it. Quite frankly, I was ready to be done with football and just be a student. But Coach Scholan visited from Florida, and he convinced me and my family to go to Savannah State. They offered me a walk-on offer – and they were division one at the time – so I settled there, took the opportunity, and did not look back. I stayed humble, put the work in, and earned a scholarship in not even two weeks. It was really such a blessing, and I give all the glory to God. Without Him, none of this would be possible.”
Q: “Obviously, a big factor for a couple of years was COVID-19 and the pandemic. Could you take me through how you navigated that tough path of figuring out how to keep playing?”
A: “At the time, I had off-the-field stuff going on with my family, so that was tough. So for me, I just had to have the right group of people around me who knew what the end goal was. We had a lot of talented guys in my class, solid leadership with the older guys who taught us which ways to go, and just learning how to be a better person alongside a football player. Our team was unified going into that COVID year. We had a phrase that we’d like to use: ‘Do your 1/11’. Do your job, and the rest will pan out. Put in the extra work that doesn’t get recognition. I want to give a testament to my class, and the coaching staff, for building a culture of unity at a time where we needed it most.”
Q: “So, for your Senior year you transferred to Murray State – posting some excellent numbers, 27 tackles, 7 TFL, an interception – what led you to transfer schools, and how did you end up at Murray State for that final season?”
A: “So, my last spring semester at Savannah I actually graduated. But, I had a year of eligibility left and wanted to use it. Coach Sanders, DC from Murray State, connected with me and eventually brought me out for a visit. When I arrived at Murray State, I felt at home. It’s a small town, not too many people, but it’s prestigious as well – I just thought it was a great fit for me. I loved the coaches they had there, and I felt like I wanted to be a part of the team for my final year. The teammates there, they brought me in like I was one of them, and we continued to build that chemistry and camaraderie. Off the field, we built important relationships. Unfortunately, football doesn’t last forever – but those relationships will. We didn’t finish the season how we wanted to, but I’m glad I went there and created bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Q: “What’s a favorite memory of yours from your football career so far?”
A: “There’s a couple. But one that sticks out was during my freshman year at Savannah State. We played Charleston Southern, and we were counted out by everyone even though we were at home. We were supposed to get blown out. But, we got the upset, and it was their biggest loss in school history – and it was our biggest win in school history. So that was a great moment, and one that I’m quite proud of. Everyone counted us out, and I’m used to being counted out and proving people wrong – so that’s what I love doing.”
Q: “Right on, I love that attitude. Switching focus now, the XFL rookie draft is nearly upon us. The XFL really embraces that attitude from players, giving athletes like yourself a chance to prove yourself at the professional level. What are your thoughts on potentially playing in the XFL, and what would you look to accomplish in the league?”
A: “First and foremost, I believe that the XFL is doing a wonderful job. They’re giving players, such as myself, exposure that we really need. Guys of my caliber who may not have gotten the look that we deserve. I believe that the XFL is a great platform for many players, and I feel like this past season they did an incredible job with the format. If I was granted an opportunity to play in the XFL, it would be a dream come true and a blessing. I know I would completely take advantage of it, 110%. It would be an amazing feeling, and I know what I’m capable of. I know what I can provide to a team, no matter where they place me. The energy I would bring to an organization…just the understanding of all these players knowing what hard work can produce.”
Q: “Are there any specific XFL teams that you’d prefer to play for, if so, why?”
A: “It does not matter to me. Just being in this position, having the opportunity of this XFL 2023 Rookie Draft coming along, it’s a blessing. Any team who’s willing to take a risk on me, I’ll provide them with what they need.”
Q: “Finally, what are some of the key life lessons you’ve learned from your football journey so far?”
A: “I keep saying it man, but just understanding being humble. And timing – that’s a huge thing as well. You might think that it’s your timing, or your scenario, but you might have to wait. You might have to take advice, or take a step back and realize that you’re not on the right path. Everything is going to happen in God’s timing, and I can’t reiterate that enough. If you’re humble, and keep doing everything right, it will work out in your favor. You gotta do good, so good comes back to you. I try to tell everyone I come in contact with: trust God’s timing, trust the process, do your part, and remain humble. That’s one thing I’ve learned for sure, that timing is everything.”
Final Thoughts
With the XFL 2023 rookie draft being just one week away, there’s plenty of free agents available. The XFL is called the “league of opportunity” for a reason, providing these athletes with a platform that not many others can offer.
We’re excited to see what’s in Cam Brown’s future, and wish him the absolute best moving forward towards the XFL draft.
What are your thoughts on the XFL 2023 Rookie Draft? Would you want your team to draft Cam Brown? Let us know down in the comments below, or join the conversation on Discord!
