Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Q&A with junior safety Qua Brown
11/21/2019 | 1:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. – Safety Qua Brown has been a top tackler in the FCS through 11 games this season. The redshirt junior ranks fourth in the nation in solo tackles per game (6.3) and is second in the MVFC in total tackles (97).
As a Florida native, what brought you to SIU?
During the recruiting process in high school, I had a few offers. SIU reached out and gave me my seventh offer. I did a little internet research on the school and liked the facilities and everything about the campus. They actually called me and wanted me to come up on an official visit soon after. When I came on my official visit, everything was just as I thought it would be. I had a great relationship with the coaches and liked the area and facilities. I then committed on my official visit and have been all about SIU since then.
What did you learn from redshirting your first year with the Saluki Football program?
I just learned that college is a lot different than high school. It's a big step as far as not being able to play with pure talent. You must have the ability to think. You have to be able to use your knowledge and IQ of the game. Taking a year to adjust to the pace of the game at the college level was big for me.
Did you expect to immediately play as a freshman?
I feel like every player wants to play immediately, but most know that it doesn't work like that in college. I had to learn that and have grown as a player ever since.
You mostly played special teams as a redshirt freshman. Was it tough waiting your turn for a prominent role on defense?
It was kind of tough, but I had a really talented guy, Ryan Neal, in front of me. He's now in the NFL, so it shows the talent we have here. I just used that year to learn from him while I waited for my opportunity. Learning was the biggest thing for me.
The following year, you earned a starting role but dealt with an injury-plagued season. Was it frustrating to sit out nearly half the season due to injuries?
Yeah, it was pretty tough because it happened early on in the season – probably the second or third game. But I thought it was actually going to be a lot more serious than it was. They say if you get any knee injury, the meniscus is the best one because the recovery process can be short. Once I figured that out and that I'd return to the field the same season, it wasn't so bad. I just did the best I could during rehab and stuff like that to be back as quick as possible.
What has it meant to have a career season at safety for the Salukis?
It's meant a lot. Over the past four years, I've put in a lot of time and effort into the game. Unfortunately, I didn't always receive the results I hoped for. To finally see some of the results for the work I put in is a humbling feeling.
As one of the nation's leading tacklers, have you always been known for your run defense?
My coaches have always told me that I'm a pretty good tackler, even while I've been here. But I haven't had much of a chance the show it prior to this season. Having a healthier season and being able to make plays is starting to show. I don't think the tackle numbers have surprised anyone, but a lot of the guys have mentioned it to me. I'm mostly just thinking about getting the win each week.
Has your position changed from last year to this year?
It's honestly the same exact thing. Last year, we ran almost the same type of defense as we do now. It's a quarters-based defense. We pretty much just have a different name for my position this year. Last year, I was considered a free safety. I'm called a boundary safety in this system. It was an easy transition with the changing of defensive coordinators.
Have the new coaches elevated your level of play?
It's been great with them. They've shown me a lot from the very moment they got in. They told me the type of player they think I am and what I could be. The staff has kept pushing me ever since then, giving me more confidence and putting me in the right position.
While the majority of focus has been on your run defense this season, how do you think you have performed against the pass?
I think I've been doing pretty well in pass defense this year. I have around nine pass breakups so far. It's the very last game of the season, so I'm a little disappointed to only have one interception. But I guess that can be a good sign at times.
Talk me through your lone interception of the season at Indiana State, which was arguably the game's biggest defensive play.
They were running wildcat on us all game with their running back at the quarterback position. We knew a pass would come out of the formation at some point. The one time they decided to pass out of it, we were in the right coverage. I was the middle of the field defender and just rolled over to make a play on the ball.
Has playing against the Saluki offense in practice helped the defense adjust to in-game situations like the wildcat?
Most certainly, because we see different formations like the wildcat all the time in practice. I feel like a lot of teams are now running the wildcat based off our success with it. We knew we would see it a lot and we're starting to see it more and more every week. We see about everything from our offense. From the spread offense to power football with heavy personnel, we see it all. The offense has been giving us a great look ever since the spring and we feel prepared for anything an opposing team may throw at us.
Do you model your game after anyone?
I would probably say Earl Thomas. He's been one of my favorite players to watch for a while. I also enjoy watching former Eagles safety, Brian Dawkins. I think he's one of the greatest safeties of all-time. He's just a playmaker and hard-nosed guy. He plays tough football, so I've tried modeling parts of my game after him.
Which team did you grow up rooting for?
The Dallas Cowboys. I just love their style of play. They're very consistent every year and always play tough on both ends of the ball. They play great defense and have a run down your throat type of offense. When it comes to Florida teams, I never really liked any of them because they were all terrible to me.
What can you say about the patience of waiting your turn as a starter?
Simply stay patient. Like I said, a lot of guys expect to start as soon as they get in because they feel like they had a successful high school career. But you're at a Division I school now. Stay patient and learn early on what you need to do to be better. Waiting your turn is not the easiest, but it can certainly be worth it.
What is your key to success against No. 1 ranked North Dakota State this weekend?
On film, you notice a lot of players get off their game because it's North Dakota State. They think they have to play different or some type of way. I feel like the best way to beat them is by being yourself. Do what you've been successful with all season and execute your game. It's ultimately going to come down to the team with less mistakes. If we continue to play the way we've been playing and at the level we're capable of playing, we'll have a great chance to win.
As a Florida native, what brought you to SIU?
During the recruiting process in high school, I had a few offers. SIU reached out and gave me my seventh offer. I did a little internet research on the school and liked the facilities and everything about the campus. They actually called me and wanted me to come up on an official visit soon after. When I came on my official visit, everything was just as I thought it would be. I had a great relationship with the coaches and liked the area and facilities. I then committed on my official visit and have been all about SIU since then.
What did you learn from redshirting your first year with the Saluki Football program?
I just learned that college is a lot different than high school. It's a big step as far as not being able to play with pure talent. You must have the ability to think. You have to be able to use your knowledge and IQ of the game. Taking a year to adjust to the pace of the game at the college level was big for me.
Did you expect to immediately play as a freshman?
I feel like every player wants to play immediately, but most know that it doesn't work like that in college. I had to learn that and have grown as a player ever since.
You mostly played special teams as a redshirt freshman. Was it tough waiting your turn for a prominent role on defense?
It was kind of tough, but I had a really talented guy, Ryan Neal, in front of me. He's now in the NFL, so it shows the talent we have here. I just used that year to learn from him while I waited for my opportunity. Learning was the biggest thing for me.
The following year, you earned a starting role but dealt with an injury-plagued season. Was it frustrating to sit out nearly half the season due to injuries?
Yeah, it was pretty tough because it happened early on in the season – probably the second or third game. But I thought it was actually going to be a lot more serious than it was. They say if you get any knee injury, the meniscus is the best one because the recovery process can be short. Once I figured that out and that I'd return to the field the same season, it wasn't so bad. I just did the best I could during rehab and stuff like that to be back as quick as possible.
What has it meant to have a career season at safety for the Salukis?
It's meant a lot. Over the past four years, I've put in a lot of time and effort into the game. Unfortunately, I didn't always receive the results I hoped for. To finally see some of the results for the work I put in is a humbling feeling.
As one of the nation's leading tacklers, have you always been known for your run defense?
My coaches have always told me that I'm a pretty good tackler, even while I've been here. But I haven't had much of a chance the show it prior to this season. Having a healthier season and being able to make plays is starting to show. I don't think the tackle numbers have surprised anyone, but a lot of the guys have mentioned it to me. I'm mostly just thinking about getting the win each week.
Has your position changed from last year to this year?
It's honestly the same exact thing. Last year, we ran almost the same type of defense as we do now. It's a quarters-based defense. We pretty much just have a different name for my position this year. Last year, I was considered a free safety. I'm called a boundary safety in this system. It was an easy transition with the changing of defensive coordinators.
Have the new coaches elevated your level of play?
It's been great with them. They've shown me a lot from the very moment they got in. They told me the type of player they think I am and what I could be. The staff has kept pushing me ever since then, giving me more confidence and putting me in the right position.
While the majority of focus has been on your run defense this season, how do you think you have performed against the pass?
I think I've been doing pretty well in pass defense this year. I have around nine pass breakups so far. It's the very last game of the season, so I'm a little disappointed to only have one interception. But I guess that can be a good sign at times.
Talk me through your lone interception of the season at Indiana State, which was arguably the game's biggest defensive play.
They were running wildcat on us all game with their running back at the quarterback position. We knew a pass would come out of the formation at some point. The one time they decided to pass out of it, we were in the right coverage. I was the middle of the field defender and just rolled over to make a play on the ball.
Has playing against the Saluki offense in practice helped the defense adjust to in-game situations like the wildcat?
Most certainly, because we see different formations like the wildcat all the time in practice. I feel like a lot of teams are now running the wildcat based off our success with it. We knew we would see it a lot and we're starting to see it more and more every week. We see about everything from our offense. From the spread offense to power football with heavy personnel, we see it all. The offense has been giving us a great look ever since the spring and we feel prepared for anything an opposing team may throw at us.
Do you model your game after anyone?
I would probably say Earl Thomas. He's been one of my favorite players to watch for a while. I also enjoy watching former Eagles safety, Brian Dawkins. I think he's one of the greatest safeties of all-time. He's just a playmaker and hard-nosed guy. He plays tough football, so I've tried modeling parts of my game after him.
Which team did you grow up rooting for?
The Dallas Cowboys. I just love their style of play. They're very consistent every year and always play tough on both ends of the ball. They play great defense and have a run down your throat type of offense. When it comes to Florida teams, I never really liked any of them because they were all terrible to me.
What can you say about the patience of waiting your turn as a starter?
Simply stay patient. Like I said, a lot of guys expect to start as soon as they get in because they feel like they had a successful high school career. But you're at a Division I school now. Stay patient and learn early on what you need to do to be better. Waiting your turn is not the easiest, but it can certainly be worth it.
What is your key to success against No. 1 ranked North Dakota State this weekend?
On film, you notice a lot of players get off their game because it's North Dakota State. They think they have to play different or some type of way. I feel like the best way to beat them is by being yourself. Do what you've been successful with all season and execute your game. It's ultimately going to come down to the team with less mistakes. If we continue to play the way we've been playing and at the level we're capable of playing, we'll have a great chance to win.
Saluki Radio Baseball Broadcast - At UE Game Three (Audio Only)
Sunday, April 12
Saluki Radio Baseball Broadcast - At UE Game Two (Audio Only)
Sunday, April 12
Saluki Radio Baseball Broadcast - at UE Game 1 (Audio Only)
Saturday, April 11
4.9.26 | Baseball Weekend Preview - at Evansville
Thursday, April 09