Blackman transfer Jordan Brown to help replace Mr. Football finalist at rival Oakland

When Jordan Brown transferred to Oakland midway through the 2018-19 school year, Patriots coach Kevin Creasy knew what he was potentially getting on the football team.

After all, he had to face Brown while he played for crosstown rival Blackman for two seasons.

"We had trouble tackling him," said Creasy. "He played a little against us as a sophomore and played us as a junior. We thought his best quality was he was a shifty back with great vision."

Brown, who played running back and linebacker for the Blaze last season, will be one of Oakland's primary running backs this season, filling the role vacated by Mr. Football finalist Xavier Myers.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound Brown was confident he could step in and play a vital role for the defending Class 6A state champs, whether it be on offense or defense.

"I expect myself to play as I did last year, whether it's coming off the bench or starting," said Brown, who had more than 100 yards of total offense in Oakland's 3-0 (in touchdowns) scrimmage win at Cane Ridge Thursday. "I'll do whatever I have to for my team to win. I've always had a work-hard, play-hard mentality."

Brown broke out as a sophomore at Blackman, rushing for 496 yards and four touchdowns while filling in for an injured Master Teague.

Seemingly the heir apparent at running back, he took a secondary role to Blaze tailback transfer Tamicus Napier last season, but still managed 582 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 26 tackles and a sack on defense.

He expected to play a bigger role in the backfield and cited that as a reason for transferring to Oakland.

He will focus most of his attention on offense for Oakland this season, although Creasy said don't be surprised if the team utilizes his skills on defense as well.

"For us, he can do both," Creasy said. "He's a guy that has the talent to do both. I'd be surprised if you don't see him on both sides of the ball."

Added Brown, "I'm kinda taking the load on offense to help them. I can always go defense if they need me, but it's mainly offense."

Myers graduated after rushing for 1,982 yards and 32 touchdowns and earning DNJ all-area player of the year honors. He rushed for at least 100 yards in each of Oakland's 15 games.

"Those are big shoes to fill," Creasy said. "Xavier did a great job running our offense last year, doing some things he wasn't used to doing, like catching the ball out of the backfield and blocking. Those are things we are working on Jordan doing right now. Hopefully he can pick up those skills as quick as Xavier did."

Brown is confident he is up to the task. When asked what he has improved on the most, he said, "Reading the holes and just trusting my linemen and blocks. And acceleration. I'm going to try to outrun players and not just try to juke them as much."

Oakland, which finished 14-1 last season en route to the Class 6A state title, will open the season at Hendersonville Aug. 23.

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.

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