Notre Dame Football Exit Interviews: Chris Brown

Chris Brown was about as reliable as wide receivers come in his senior season. Who will provide that consistency for Notre Dame in 2016?

Considering the 2015-2016 college football season has finally come to a close and underclassmen have officially declared for the 2016 NFL Draft, Slap the Sign presents its “Exit Interviews,” where we review the players leaving the program, what they’re leaving behind and taking with them, and how Notre Dame plans on replacing their production and experience.

Chris Brown, WR

Nov 21, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish wide receiver Chris Brown (2) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Boston College Eagles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

Production at ND

Chris Brown came into Notre Dame as a raw former high school track star with unlimited potential and elite speed. He caught just two passes his freshman year (2012), but made the most of one of them, a 50-yard bomb late against #8 Oklahoma that led to the go-ahead touchdown a few plays later and catapulted Notre Dame to a 30-13 statement win on their way to an undefeated regular season and berth in the BCS National Championship.

After that play in 2012, Brown was constantly considered a potential breakout player in the next few summers, but never seemed to explode the way people expected when the season arrived. However, he did consistently improve in his production year-over-year, and ultimately became a very good receiver for the Fighting Irish. His sophomore year he caught 15 passes for 209 yards and a touchdown, and then in 2014 he had 39 catches for 548 yards and a touchdown. Chris’s senior season in 2015 was easily his best, as he had 48 receptions en route to putting up 597 yards and 4 touchdowns.

What His Departure Means

Chris Brown was an incredibly reliable and talented number-two receiver in Brian Kelly’s offense, was a strong leader in the locker room, and a mentor to younger players who were all eager to learn from him. He will certainly be missed in that regard, as well as for his consistently-good hands, fantastic downfield blocking, and elusive speed that allowed him to make plays over the middle and pick up chunks of yards after the catch. This is a very good four-year player and leader that is departing the Notre Dame program, and the Irish offense is truly losing a key contributor and valued teammate.

Who Will Step In?

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The player who will certainly have the first crack at taking over Brown’s spot is rising senior Corey Robinson, whose 6-4 frame and even longer wingspan make him a go-to receiver in goal line situations and critical third downs. However, Robinson suffered a disappointing junior season (after a surprisingly strong sophomore campaign) and is by no means a shoo-in at starter. He will need to show a renewed focus and more consistent hands and blocking to take over for Brown.

Someone like Torii Hunter Jr. or Equanimeous St. Brown could also step in, depending on how the other receiver positions shake out and who Brian Kelly wants to get on the field. Also, rising sophomore Miles Boykin and incoming freshman Javon McKinley could impress in camp and possibly earn time, considering both are good-sized (in Boykin’s case, great-sized) receivers with strong hands and the ability to run strong routes and block downfield. Incoming freshman Chase Claypool is another to watch (6’5″ and a freak athlete), but he is currently regarded as raw and not likely to crack the two-deep, at least immediately upon his arrival.

Whoever earns the job, they will have big shoes to fill in terms of being a consistent security blanket for the QB and a devastating blocker on runs to the outside. The talent is there, though, so it will be fun to see who rises to the top of the depth chart and answers that challenge.

Pat’s Favorite Memory from Chris Brown’s Career

Chris had some great plays over the years, and especially in 2015, where he made some really impressive and clutch catches. However, there are just two plays that stand above the rest for me, and they pretty much bookend his career in fitting fashion.

These highlights show just how far Brown has come- transforming from a skinny speedster who could only run fly routes, to a polished senior leader who looks poised to be a steal late in the 2016 NFL Draft. Good luck Chris, and Godspeed!

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