By: Pasquale Tartaro, GoPSUSports.com
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Although defensive backs Ji'Ayir Brown and Jaquan Brisker began their collegiate playing careers at Lackawanna Community College, the transition to Big Ten football has only enhanced the tandem's production.
"I think we've got two of the better safeties in college football," head coach James Franklin said following Wednesday night's practice.
"We play off each other in a way that I don't think any safety duo in the country can," Brown said about he and Brisker's continuity. "It's more of a telepathic thing with us...we know what each other is going to do in certain situations... just a bonding chemistry we have, we expect so much from each other."
The two played for coach Mark Duda on Lackawanna College's 2018 team, which went 10-1 and reached the national junior college championship game.
While much can be said about Brisker, a preseason All-American, Brown has certainly established himself as an explosive factor within the Penn State defense this season.
Through five games, Brown has come away with a team-best three interceptions, which ranks fourth in FBS. In addition, he has racked up 12 tackles and three pass breakups.
In the first start of his Penn State career, Brown made five tackles and intercepted Wisconsin's Graham Mertz at the 8-yard line on the final play, sealing the Nittany Lions season-opening win over the Badgers 16-10.
The 5-11, 205-pound Brown played in nine games last year as a reserve and on special teams.
Referring to his progression as "dramatic," Franklin points to Brown's willingness to improve as the driving force behind his development.
"(Brown) is one of those guys that I think does a really good job of being a great teammate, but also understands how to be with the coaches and is coachable, '' Franklin said. "I'm just really proud of him."
The senior playmaker, who led the state of New Jersey in steals as a basketball player in high school, credits his ball skills to his athletic background as a point guard and center fielder.
"You know, being able to be real instinctive and move around a basketball court," Brown said. "I can do the same thing on a field and it's been working for me lately."
This season, moreover, marks the first chance that Brown has had to grace the field in a Big Ten atmosphere; Brown, who was not initially recruited by Penn State and joined the team last season, is grateful for the opportunity to perform on a national stage.
"Last year was not too much different from my junior college years. You know, empty stadiums," Brown said. "But this year, it's been unbelievable. I never played in front of 105,000, 107,000 fans. My first game, it was an amazing feeling, so it's been great."
"(Brown) is very appreciative of his opportunities and experience here at Penn State, he's always got a huge smile on his face," Franklin said. "I'm really happy, not surprised at the success that he's having this year."
