All-Lake quarterback Jake Brown (Comstock Park, ’13) led the Panthers to back-to-back Division 4 state semifinal appearances before signing with Michigan Tech. Brown will finish his freshman year at Michigan Tech this spring.

Here at the Lake Michigan Football Report, it’s no secret that we love to see players from West & Northern Michigan earn opportunities to play at the collegiate level. We’ve put together a special #ThrowbackThursday Alumni Edition to showcase Lake Area alumni who are currently living out their college football dreams. We hope you enjoy the first installment featuring Comstock Park alum and current Michigan Tech Husky Jake Brown!

Jake Brown Quick Facts:

High School: Comstock Park, Class of 2013

Height / Weight: 6-0, 195 lbs.

College: Michigan Tech University

Position: Quarterback

Major: Bio-Medical Engineering

High School Career Highlights: Led team to back-to-back Division 4 state semifinal appearances; top QB at the 2012 Lake Michigan Football Report Senior Exposure Camp; 2012 All-Lake Big School QB; ran for 1100+ yards and threw for 1600 yards as a senior; appears on the all-time MHSAA record lists for pass attempts, total yardage in a season, and rushing touchdowns in a game; played for the West All-Stars in the 33rd Annual East-West All-Star Game; graduated with a 4.00+ GPA

LMFR: How is college football different compared to the high school level?

JB: College football is much more of a commitment and a much more serious game. Everyone on the team has been a star player at their high school and they all love the game of football. It is also different because there truly is no offseason. When one season ends the next season begins.

 LMFR: Your high school success brought you to the next level, what can your past high school success be attributed to?

JB: My past high school success can be completely attributed to my parents, coaches, and community. My dad got me started in football and both my parents always encouraged me to be the best I could be while also pushing me to realize that hard work was going to pay off. My high school coaches also played a big role by handing down their knowledge and helping to show me the right way to do things. And of course, Comstock Park played a great role in my high school success. If it weren’t for all the fans coming out to the games we wouldn’t have gotten the new stadium renovations that we are getting nor would playing in a playoff game at home been as fun. All the players fed off of their energy.

LMFR: What is your current major and what do you plan to accomplish with that major once you graduate? How do you balance academics and athletics?

JB: I am currently majoring in bio-medical engineering. When I graduate I would like to work with either prosthetics or in biomaterials. Balancing academics with athletics can be a little tough when going to a school like Michigan Tech. But I have learned that I have to budget my time very well and be sure that I know what I need to do each day so that all homework can be done and I can be ready for exams. My fall football schedule is very structured with practice followed at night by a mandatory study table. This also helps to keep my academics up.

LMFR: What position are you currently projected to play during this upcoming year and what are some things you are looking to contribute to the team?

JB: I am currently going to play quarterback next year. Right now it appears that I will be learning for at least one more year from our All GLIAC starter Tyler Scarlett. This season I want to learn as much as I can so that I can be ready when my number is called.

LMFR: As a high school student-athlete attending the Lake Michigan Football Report combine, what were some things you experienced during the event that helped you reach the collegiate level?

JB: At the Lake Michigan Football Report combine I first of all had a blast. It was a time for me that I could just relax and throw the ball around to a bunch of very talented athletes. It also helped me to throw to receivers that were much faster than what I was used to at times and learn to adjust. I had a blast. It is nice to be able to be looked at as a good football player at your camps rather than being looked at as an undersized talent. Lots of guys out there are “undersized” but showing out at your camps.

LMFR: Special thanks to Jake Brown for the interview! We wish you all the best!