By RayJaun Stelly, The Seattle Medium
Senior running back Jason Brown, Jr. has solidified himself as one of the premier football players nationally, locally, and in O’Dea High School history. Creating his own legacy with the Fighting Irish, the 5-foot-10, 200-pound running back has received 20-plus offers throughout his high school career and has narrowed that list down to his final three as his senior season is now underway.
Brown, a four-star player at his position according to ESPN, recently announced that his final three schools are Michigan State, the University of Oregon, and the University of Washington.
Last year, the Fighting Irish were a game away from the WIAA 3A State Championship game, but a double-overtime 35-28 loss to Eastside Catholic High School hindered that opportunity. With that in mind, Brown had hoped to have made his final decision by now, but for now, he will focus on completing his senior season and helping his team win games.
“Going into senior year, I had a plan to be committed, but everybody’s process is different, so I trimmed my list down so I can focus on it later,” said Brown. “It was important to come into the season with a clear head and leave everything on the field so I can go chase a state ring.”
“At the end of the day, it was anyone’s game; unfortunately, we didn’t come out on top, so all of us seniors and returning starters don’t want to feel that again,” Brown added.
The final list by Brown was decided by him based on relationships, picking a coach and staff who value him off the field as a human being rather than just a football player who can transcend a program to new heights.
“My final list was based on relationships. I know if a coach values me off the field like he does on the field, they’ll respect me and how I mature as well,” Brown expressed.
Helping lead his team to a 10-2 record last year, placing them second in the 3A Metro League Mountain Division and advancing to the WIAA State Semifinals, Brown and his teammates are focusing on dominating on all aspects on and off the field.
“Our big team word is dominant this year, dominant in all aspects from classes, practices, meetings, or interacting with people being a dominant force that people respect and gravitate toward,” said Brown. “When you put everything into practice, the game is easy.”
Being able to be a part of such a family culture at O’Dea, Brown has managed to enrich himself as one of the best to play for Fighting Irish.
“It’s an honor to be in the same conversations as guys who play or played in the NFL, Seattle legends, people who are successful in life. I’m glad I came at a time I could create my own legacy and give everything to the team,” said Brown. “I had a unique opportunity at O’Dea to shine and be special. I look back at it now as a beautiful process. The coaching staff and teammates made it easy.”
“I’ve gotten endless support and navigation throughout this whole process,” Brown continued.
Having a front-row seat of Brown’s journey since birth, his mother Isabell Boyd described it as bittersweet due to the fact that sometime soon her son will be playing college football on a full-ride scholarship. The thought brings her to tears when she reflects on the journey.
“It has been bittersweet. Jason Brown, Jr. is my one and only child, so I am going to miss my best friend tremendously,” says Boyd. “I cry just thinking about it.
“However, it’s inspiring to witness Jason’s work ethic and dedication,” continued Boyd. “Now his hard work is paying off. I have learned throughout this journey, the best things in life are on the other side of fear. Therefore, I am embracing change and challenges knowing that God has an ordained plan for him.”
Continuing to live in the moment and trust the process, Boyd is a firm believer that, “you don’t have to have everything you need in order to build what you see,”
“I am proud and grateful to know his future is bright by the light he brings to all he encounters,” she says. “The best is yet to come.”
As Brown’s incredible high school career is headed to an end, the Fighting Irish are standing undefeated at 2-0. He often has to catch himself as he realizes that his time at O’Dea is almost done.
“This final season means the world to me,” says Brown. “God had blessed me to stay healthy throughout my time and feed into me everything I could ask for.
“It’s a little sad that it’s coming to an end,” added Brown. “It’s a lot to wrap my head around honestly. I used to sit back and dream about being a high school football player, so now that it’s coming to a close, it’s a little surreal. I’m glad I got to do it with the guys I play with, and hopefully, we come out on top.”
The Fighting Irish have started this season dominating, winning by 30 points or more against Union High School in week one and conference opponent Bishop Blanchet on the road. They’ll face Rainier Beach next week with an opportunity to extend their winning streak to three games.
