Cougars Land Prep Star Defensive Standout From California Follows Teammate, Commits To WSU

Washington State picked up the second piece of its Claremont connection Tuesday night.

Isaac Brown, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound defensive end and Claremont, Calif., high school teammate of Cougars recruit Deon Burnett, orally committed to play football for Washington State.

The first team All-CIF player had just returned from a trip to Arizona State and was scheduled to travel to Texas A&M this weekend when he made the decision.

“The biggest thing for Isaac was the connection he made with Mike Walker (WSU defensive line coach),” said Claremont coach Mike Collins. “He knew that Walker was going to be his individual coach and the attention he paid to him throughout this process really made a difference.”

While Brown played at anywhere from 230 pounds to 240 pounds, Collins said he has the type of frame that could support 260 pounds without forcing him to sacrifice his 4.5 speed.

“We played him as down here at the end spot, but some schools like A&M, because of his quickness and agility, were talking to him about playing linebacker,” said Collins. “That’s how quick he is.”

The Cougars will probably play Brown down over the tight end.

As a senior, Brown recorded 82 tackles, 18 solo, 11 sacks and two interceptions. He returned one interception for a 70-yard touchdown.

“He can be as fast as a defensive back,” Collins said. “And then, he’s got such quickness off the line. That’s what makes him an explosive player.”

Both Brown and Burnett have qualifying SAT scores and are on schedule to graduate.

“They just have to finish the year strong and there shouldn’t be any problems with their grades,” said Collins.

Brown is the 22nd player to orally commit to the Cougars. WSU coach Mike Price has said the Cougars may take as many as 27.