Brown earns invite to prestigious game

This year, one of New Brockton running back Jahari Brown's birthday presents was a little out of the ordinary.

Brown, who ran for more than 1,200 yards in eight games last season, received an invite to the 2017 Blue-Grey All-American Bowl.

"I didn't really know until my birthday," he said. "They wanted to save it for my birthday. They just came in, barged in the room and (said), 'Hey, you made it to the game.' I was happy. It was a good honor."

The rising senior will play in January at the game in Jacksonville, and has been to combines to earn the chance.

The most recent one in which he participated was June 11-12 in Daytona, Fla., at the 2016 Southeast Super Regional Combine and Brown impressed.

He ran a 4.77 40-yard dash, had an 8-foot, 1-inch broad jump and ran a 4.62 in the shuttle run.

"It's a big accomplishment to be able to go to those combines they've had over the past few months, and then to ultimately be selected to play is a big deal," New Brockton football coach Justin Jones said. "I think he understands it's his responsibility, this being the first time New Brockton's ever had a (player) do this, he's going to have to understand the responsibility it puts on him because he's the first from New Brockton."

The running back is proud to represent the NBHS football program.

"It feels good," Brown said. "It's a lot of pressure, though. They told me I've got to, when I go there, remind everybody where I came from and just hold everything down from this side of Alabama."

There is no doubt in Jones' mind Brown understands the responsibility of representing the Gamecocks in Jacksonville.

"He understands, 'I'm almost an ambassador for New Brockton, my school and my football program. I've been blessed with this opportunity, but also don't forget about the other guys (who) are behind me. There's other good players here, other than just me,'" Jones said. "I think he understands that role and can kind of be that ambassador for our football program as he goes and does the things they ask of him later on after the season is over."

Last season, Brown played a big role in the New Brockton offense.

He had 1,271 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 113 carries in 2015, and Brown understands how to handle whatever pressure is put upon him for the game.

"Hard work will get you there," he said. "I've been doing it since I was little. My grandma always told me, 'Keep your head up, get in the books, keep God on you and nobody else can be against you.'"

Despite all of his hard work, the running back knows he will have to play at another level in Jacksonville.

"It means I've got to step up," Brown said. "I've just got to be ready for the competition. It motivates me (well). From being a leader out here, I'm (going) to be a leader over there, too. I've got to do it, by any means necessary."

For now the rising senior is ready for his final season at New Brockton, but is looking forward to the unique opportunity.

"(I) just thank God, keep my head on straight and wait for the game to get here," Brown said. "(It was a) great birthday present."