Jayhawks land offensive lineman who is a fast learner

The Kansas coaches got some big news on Sunday from a much-needed spot on the offensive line.

Mike Brown, a 6-foot-5, 340 pound offensive lineman gave the Jayhawks a verbal commitment when he was on his visit.

“Me and my parents talked about everything when we were on the visit,” Brown said. “Everything is a family discussion. I talked to my family and then I prayed about it. I committed to Kansas on the visit.”

After Brown committed he said the coaches all jumped up and showed their appreciation. They had their work cut out for them if they were trying to get their arms around the lineman from Eastern Arizona.

“It was heartwarming,” he said. “I didn’t expect it to be that way. This staff seems like they keep their composure but when I committed everybody jumped out of their chairs and gave me a big hug. They all made me laugh when they did that.”

The Kansas staff started recruiting Brown last November. Todd Bradford recruits the school and offensive coordinator Doug Meacham was also involved. During the visit brown said he also spent time around Troy Kema who is part of Beaty’s staff.

Jeremiah Booker was his host.

“He explained the program to me and how good the community is,” Brown said of Booker. “I really liked the facilities and everything was really cool. What really stood out is the staff and the people who are here. They made me feel at home and they were themselves.”

Brown’s parents Salamasina Samoa and Ma’ataua Polamalu were with him on the visit. He said his father kept saying the Rock Chalk chant even on the way to the airport.

The Kansas coaches liked what they saw from Brown on film, who was a first team, all-conference selection this season. Brown has an interesting story because he just started playing football at Eastern Arizona. He didn’t play in high school and then went on a two-year mission. His first football he played was in college.

“Coach Beaty told me he loves how I play because I take every play serious,” Brown said. “He also knows that I am new to the game. I never take a play off. He likes that I am a simple guy. All I do is go to church, go to school, and play football. I try my best to stay in the right direction. He noticed all of those things before I even said them to him.”

Brown also talked about meeting new offensive line coach A.J. Ricker, who joined the staff last week. Brown said he spent a lot of time around Ricker.

“He told me he is new just like I am,” Brown said. “I really liked being around him and he’s a good guy. He seems like a good coach.”

Over the last week Brown was getting calls from coaches at Texas and West Virginia. There were also other schools in the picture and he is glad to have a college decision out of the way.

“I feel like a big burden is off my back,” he said. “I get to go home and focus on school and do my part to get back here. I want to get back here and promise what I did to them. It makes me feel much so much better because I can relax through this process.”