San Marcos — By TYLER MAYFORTH

Daily Record Sports



Prestin Brown is a decisive man.

Brown doesn’t need much to make up his mind. If he’s presented with the facts, chances are he’ll make a choice before the final word is uttered.

The 6-foot-3, 223-pound defensive end formerly from Grand Prairie High decided to attend Texas State after just one official visit. Brown, who grew up in Minnesota and Washington, was reminded of home when he strolled the campus.

“There are a lot of hills and it was kind of hot,” Brown said. “It made me think it was between Texas (where he lives now) and Washington. That was a cool feeling for me, since I felt like I was home already and didn’t have to have a coach tell me I had a scholarship.”

The Bobcats did offer Brown a scholarship, which he accepted in a heartbeat.

Texas State’s coaching staff saw in Brown what his other coaches did throughout his playing career. Brown is a tireless worker who rarely takes a down off.

“My coach in high school (Gary Bartel) told me, ‘Prestin, you’re a motor person,’” Brown said. “’You just can’t stop going. If a car had you in it, it wouldn’t need gas.’ I pride myself in how hard to play every down.”

He starred at defensive end for the Gophers during his four seasons at Grand Prairie. Brown earned three All-District honors with the Gophers, including first-team 7-5A merits for academics and athletics as a senior.

Brown was heavily recruited out of high school, as teams from the Dallas-Fort Worth area wanted to scoop him up. He received interest from Baylor, SMU and several other Texas schools before choosing Texas State.

The 18-year-old wrestled and ran track for three years in high school before focusing on football. He also played baseball in 2007.

Brown decided he needed more structure in order to make a splash his freshman year in college. He already hit the weight room religiously, but wanted more time honing his football IQ.

After signing his Letter of Intent with the Bobcats, Brown learned from Bartel about the possibility of playing for Team USA at the IFAF Junior World Championship.

Once Brown looked at the paperwork, it was settled — he’d represent his nation in Canton, Ohio.

“I didn’t have to look at it twice,” Brown said. “You get to represent the country you love and the country that made the sport of football. Not many people get to say they played for their national team and got a chance to win a gold medal.”

Brown’s relished the opportunity while playing for Team USA in Canton.

Every day, the Americans get to meet players from various countries, including France, Japan and Sweden. While the other teams may not be as fundamentally sound as the Americans, they have their own strengths.

Team USA practiced with the Swedish team and while the Americans dominated, the Swedes put up a fight. Brown said they used formations not many of the American-born athletes have seen and tackled well.

Brown and his teammates opened tournament play Saturday night against France and will play the winner of Mexico vs. Sweden on Wednesday.

“The first two games might have a little challenge, but the teams will be beatable,” Brown said. “Every international team we’ve practiced with, they’ve told us we are faster and stronger and they envy our talent.”

Not only has Brown been able to forge new friendships, but he’s honed his football skills before many of his fellow freshman at Texas State will have a chance.

Brown’s learning from a talented coaching staff comprised of top high school coaches across the nation. Team USA is guided by Chuck Kyle, the head coach of Cleveland St. Ignatius High.

He’s compiled a 253-57-1 career record and guided his team to nine state football championships in Ohio.

Along with Kyle, Brown is coached by defensive line coach Jeremy Gold.

The coach from Ann Arbor, Mich., helped lead Grand Valley State University to a national title in 2003 and is the brother of former Denver Broncos linebacker Ian Gold.

“The coaches are so great and they know how to get the most out of every player,” Brown said. “I feel like such a better athlete. This is my spring football.

“We’ve been practicing for two weeks already and now we’re going to have three games. It’s going to get me that much more fit and now that I won’t be so distant (once August starts).”

Once Brown reports to San Marcos in August, his world will change.

He’ll no longer be known for what he did in high school or for Team USA, but what he will do for Texas State. Brown will need to fight for each down he plays on the field, especially as a freshman.

The Bobcats are in dire need of defensive line help as they graduated three starters last season (Donovan King, Ray Parker, Jr. and Wellington Deshield).

Travis Houston will be the lone returning starter.

If Brown hits the ground running at Texas State and impresses the coaching staff, chances are he’ll get his shot as a true freshman.

The Bobcats won’t need to worry about Brown though — his motor will already be running as soon as he puts on the pads and his legs will be soon to follow.

Brown’s ready for his shot and that’s all he needs.

“When I’m in a zone, I feel the field is my home,” Brown said. “I feel whoever wants to come inside my house, I need to protect it. They made a bad decision to walk in the front door.”