Keenan Brown, a prolific deep threat

Matt Majewski • November 16, 2022

Keenan Brown is a name to look out for next season.

In his first season with Colorado Mesa University (CMU), the redshirt junior led the team with 509 receiving yards, and was one of three players to catch five touchdowns for the Mavericks on the year. In a game against Chadron State College, he caught 10 passes, for 195 yards and two scores.

Brown’s career has been a journey. The Denver, Colorado product started his career at Fond du Lac junior college, in Minnesota. In his freshman season, he led all of junior college with 23.9 yards per reception. From there the receiver went to play for Colorado State University (CSU) at the D1 level, where he saw limited action. After his sophomore season at CSU, Brown hit the transfer portal and committed to CMU.

“I learned to keep going, and that sometimes you’re just dealt a bad hand. Last year, at CSU, things just didn’t work out for me, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be who you want to be somewhere else,” Brown said.

This season, the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) football team was a rollercoaster, as the team finished 4-6 on the year. As far as receivers go, 19 different players caught a pass this season. However, Brown was able to stick out as one of redshirt sophomore quarterback Karst Hunter’s favorite targets. The two share a special connection, as they are also roommates.

“It’s a great dynamic (living with Hunter). We’re able to talk about things, and talk about the game. We got a really good connection going, and I really just got to learn a lot from him,” Brown said.

Brown was the consistent deep pass target for Hunter all season. On Brown’s five touchdown scores on the season, he averaged over 40 yards per catch on them.

[/media-credit] Keenan Brown drags two defenders to the end zone on a 63 yard scoring play. Brown totaled 3 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown against South Dakota Mines on September 17.

As great as a connection that Hunter and Brown have, in Brown’s 10 catch, 195 yard, two touchdown game, Hunter was inactive due to a shoulder injury. Redshirt freshman Kia’i Keone started the game at quarterback, and was replaced by sophomore Gavin Herberg in the second half.

“Me and Gavin (Herberg) just connected on a different level. In the first half, I only had one reception for eight yards, the rest of my yards all came in the second half, which is crazy. So it was just seeing the ball, catching receptions, and capitalizing off the opportunities,” Brown said.

It was in this game where Brown displayed he was more than a deep threat receiver. Aside from his two deep touchdown passes, he showcased his other abilities. He caught four screen passes, which were key to Mavericks scoring drives. Brown also displayed his route running expertise by catching a couple slants and logging a reception on a smooth comeback route.

Late in the game, CMU trailed by seven, and had the ball backed up on their own two yard line. Brown then made the play of the game catching a 48 yard pass to tie the game.

Looking ahead to next season, Brown will have key experience with a year under his belt playing with Karst Hunter, and for head coach Miles Kochevar.

“The expectation for me is to do the little things right. I feel like that’s what makes a good or an average player great, and that’s what takes you over the top. For the team next year, we got to keep working. I feel like everybody played well individually in some games, but it was shaky in others, I just expect us to win next year,” Brown said.

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