A.J. Brown, widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL at an early age, had an exceptional college career, playing at the top level of college football in the SEC. Before making his mark in the professional ranks, Brown displayed incredible talent, determination, and resilience, laying the foundation for his professional success and showcasing his abilities as one of the top receivers in the country.
Where Did A.J. Brown Go to College?
A.J. Brown arrived at Ole Miss as a four-star recruit from Starkville High School in Mississippi, a prestigious honor considering the competitive nature of the SEC. Brown was a multi-sport athlete in high school, excelling in football and baseball, which led him to be drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 19th round of the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft.
However, his passion for football prevailed, and he decided to play wide receiver for Ole Miss. Brown’s freshman season in 2016 was a glimpse of his future potential, though he did not immediately take the college football world by storm.
As a true freshman, Brown played in all 12 games, recording 29 receptions for 412 yards and two touchdowns. He showed flashes of his elite potential with his ability to make plays in crucial situations, particularly in games against SEC opponents.
His best performance of the year came against the Memphis Tigers, where he caught eight passes for 79 yards.
While the 2016 season didn’t produce standout statistics compared to later years, Brown’s freshman campaign was valuable in giving him experience and time to adjust to the speed and physicality of the SEC. More importantly, it laid the groundwork for his breakout sophomore season.
And that sophomore season in 2017 marked his official arrival as one of the premier wide receivers in college football.
Under new head coach Matt Luke, Brown became the focal point of the Rebels’ offense, dominating defensive backs with his combination of size, speed, and physicality. Brown led the SEC in receiving yards and established himself as one of the top receivers in the nation.
He finished the season with 75 receptions for 1,252 yards and 11 touchdowns, setting a new single-season record for Ole Miss in receiving yards. His 233-yard performance in the season opener against South Alabama set the tone for his dominance throughout the year, as he frequently torched opposing defenses with deep routes and precise route-running.
One of Brown’s most notable games during his sophomore year came in a rivalry matchup against Mississippi State, where he caught six passes for 167 yards and a touchdown in a 31-28 win in the Egg Bowl. This performance was particularly significant, as Brown hailed from Starkville, Mississippi, the home of Mississippi State. Despite being a top recruit from their backyard, his success against his hometown team only fueled his reputation as one of the top talents in the country.
Building on the success of his sophomore campaign, Brown entered his junior season in 2018 with high expectations. Many NFL scouts and analysts viewed him as a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft. And he did not disappoint.
Once again, Brown led the Rebels’ receiving corps, showcasing his well-rounded skill set as a receiver who could stretch the field or make tough catches in traffic.
Brown concluded the 2018 season with 85 receptions for 1,320 yards and six touchdowns, leading the SEC in receiving yards for the second consecutive year. He was named to the All-SEC First Team and received All-American honors for his efforts.
His consistency as a receiver was evident, as he posted seven 100-yard receiving games during the season, including an impressive 212-yard performance against Vanderbilt.
While Ole Miss struggled as a team during Brown’s final year, finishing with a 5-7 record, his individual performances continued to draw national attention. His ability to make difficult catches and dominate physically against elite defensive backs was key to his rise in draft stock.
Brown finished his college career as one of the most accomplished receivers in Ole Miss history. He left the program with 2,984 receiving yards, which is still the school’s all-time record, along with 19 career touchdowns.
His dominance in the SEC during his final two seasons solidified his place among the best wide receivers to ever play for the Rebels. In addition to his on-field success, Brown’s leadership and work ethic made him a respected figure in the locker room.
His performances against elite competition earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and opponents alike, paving the way for a successful transition to the NFL. Drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Brown quickly translated his college success into professional stardom, continuing to showcase the talent he developed at Ole Miss.
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His time in Oxford provided the perfect springboard for a successful NFL career, but for Ole Miss fans, he will always be remembered as one of the greatest ever to don the Rebel uniform.
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