Rashon Brown’s emergence as one of Bethune-Cookman’s most dangerous offensive weapons continued Saturday, when the redshirt freshman running back delivered a breakout performance.
Brown rushed 31 times for a career-high 260 yards and a touchdown as Bethune-Cookman defeated Alabama State 16-10 in its SWAC opener. The outing ranked third in school history for rushing yards in a single game, and Brown averaged 8.4 yards per carry.
It also earned Brown SWAC Offensive Player of the Week honors.
For Bethune-Cookman coach Raymond Woodie Jr., however, Brown’s success is hardly a surprise.
Woodie on Monday said the Wildcats identified Brown’s potential when they recruited him out of Pahokee, Florida. After seeing Brown get limited opportunities as a freshman last season, Bethune-Cookman expected him to take on a larger role this year.
“He’s a talented kid,” Woodie said.
But Woodie also pointed to the offensive line as a major reason for the running back’s production.
The Bethune-Cookman offensive line, Woodie said, takes pride in staying on its blocks and finishing plays. That has helped create the running lanes Brown has repeatedly used to turn short gains into big plays.
Brown himself has credited the offensive line when asked about the formula behind his success.
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“We’ve just been repping it in practice,” Brown told the Daytona Beach News-Journal. “That’s what I give my success to today — practice and good coaching.”
Woodie said Brown regularly points to his blockers, emphasizing that the offensive line is “making holes” that allow him to get through and reach the next level.
That relationship was on full display against Alabama State.
Brown’s 260 rushing yards helped Bethune-Cookman snap a five-game losing streak against the Hornets and start SWAC play with a victory.
It also pushed Brown to 484 rushing yards for the season, which ranks third in the SWAC, while his eight touchdowns rank second in the conference.
Now, with his first SWAC weekly honor, Brown is beginning to receive recognition that matches the expectations Bethune-Cookman had for him.
