Receiver Justin Brown hits the field for Sooners
BY ERIC BAILEY World Sports Writer
Tuesday, August 07, 2012
8/07/12 at 2:43 PM
NORMAN — Justin Brown’s decision to join the Oklahoma Sooners wasn’t made easy.
The former Penn State wide receiver said it came with the blessing of family and friends, including former Nittany Lions teammates.
“It was very difficult, emotional after talking to (former teammates),” Brown said on Tuesday, following his first practice at OU. “I talked to them before I made the decision and while the process was going on. They told me to make the best decision for you.
“They told me they were going to support me either way and that meant a lot that I had their OK and approval especially since I was with them for three years. That definitely meant a lot.”
OU coach Bob Stoops was excited with what he saw of Brown during the workout. Brown was not in pads during the morning practice, but Stoops said the 6-3, 209-pound wide receiver strengthens the position.
“Looking out there today, and you see him added to the equation,” Stoops said. “A guy that’s a senior that has three years experience of playing and fighting people, crack-back blocking on people, catching the ball. He’s a natural at catching the ball, so he brings a ton. It’s going to be exciting.”
Brown said he was intrigued by the OU offense.
“It’s OU football. It’s tradition. It’s the offense,” Brown said. “I think everybody can get a chance to showcase their skills in this offense. They throw the ball a lot. They give the receivers and running backs a lot of opportunities to make plays. Everybody is going to get an equal opportunity to showcase their talents.”
Brown is expected to also add to the OU punt return game, Stoops said.
“He was one of the top 10 or 11 (returners) in the country a year ago, and we lost our guy (Ryan Broyles),” Stoops said. “So of course. I believe he will be (a factor). He catches them as easily and smooth as anybody I’ve ever seen.”
Brown was the only Penn State player to record a catch in each game last year. He ended with 35 catches for 517 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
