In a surprising twist, Devin Brown, a former Ohio State quarterback, has chosen a path less traveled. Amidst the allure of lucrative NIL deals and prestigious football programs, Brown opted for a different kind of adventure in Utah. But why? And how did this journey unfold?
Brown, a talented backup quarterback, had the world at his feet. Top-tier schools like Indiana, Boston College, and even his alma mater, Ohio State, were vying for his services. The offers were enticing, with Indiana offering a chance to compete for the starting role left by the Heisman Trophy winner, and NIL deals worth a staggering $800,000 on the table. Yet, he said no.
Here's where it gets intriguing: He chose Weber State, an FCS school with a modest 17,000-seat stadium. A decision that meant a significant pay cut, from a potential $800,000 to a mere $2,000. A move that left many scratching their heads, including Weber State's new head coach, Eric Kjar.
But Brown's choice was driven by something more profound than money or fame. It was about the man who had coached him in high school, Eric Kjar himself. Brown wanted to relive the joy of playing football under Kjar's mentorship.
Kjar, a charismatic and accomplished coach, had built an impressive resume in Utah's high school football scene. With seven state championships under his belt, including six in eight years at Corner Canyon High, he was just one title short of the state record. And he achieved all this by the age of 46. Kjar's prowess extended beyond championships; he had also nurtured two first-round NFL draft picks at the quarterback position.
Despite colleges knocking on his door, Kjar had always opted to stay in high school to coach his four children. But when the opportunity to lead Weber State came knocking, he couldn't resist. And this winter, he made the leap to collegiate coaching (while still being able to coach his sons, Noah and Tate, who are wide receivers at Weber State).
Brown and Kjar's paths crossed again when Brown texted Kjar to congratulate him on the new role. Their banter led to Brown visiting Weber State, primarily to reconnect with his former coach. But little did Kjar know, Brown was seriously considering joining him.
"I had never thought of Weber State," Brown admitted. "But I decided to visit Coach Kjar. He didn't realize I was serious until I told him I wanted to check out the school." As they sat in Kjar's office, overlooking the stadium and mountains, they reminisced and discussed football. Brown was drawn to the idea of running a similar offense to their high school days. And Kjar's influence was undeniable.
After a few weeks of contemplation, Brown made his decision. He called Kjar from his California apartment, announcing his move to Weber State. Kjar was overjoyed.
This reunion marks the second time they will work together for a season. But how did Brown's journey lead him to this point?
Brown's football story began in Gilbert, Arizona, where he played for Queen Creek High under Coach Joe Germaine, a former Ohio State and NFL quarterback. After a successful junior season, Brown committed to USC. However, when Germaine left for another school, Brown wanted to follow, but was ruled ineligible due to illegal recruiting. This led him to consider Utah, where he had family and a renowned coach, Eric Kjar.
Brown reached out to Kjar, who initially showed reluctance, as he couldn't recruit players. But Brown was determined, and Kjar made it clear that he would have to earn his spot. So, Brown headed to Utah, following in the footsteps of Jaxson Dart, who had transferred to Corner Canyon in 2020 and thrived under Kjar's guidance. Dart's success, which included a state championship and numerous accolades, inspired Brown.
Brown stepped into Dart's shoes at Corner Canyon and broke records, passing for 4,881 yards and 57 touchdowns, a Utah state record. He led the Chargers to another state championship and was named MaxPreps Utah Player of the Year. His performance caught the attention of major colleges.
When USC's coach was fired, Brown withdrew his commitment and signed with Ohio State. He redshirted his freshman year and was poised to succeed C.J. Stroud. However, injuries became a recurring theme. While competing for the starting job, Brown suffered a broken finger, and later, ligament tears in both ankles. These setbacks hindered his progress.
As the starting job remained open, Brown faced further competition from Will Howard, who led Ohio State to the national championship. Brown then transferred to Cal for the 2025 season but lost the starting role to Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. Undeterred, Brown entered the transfer portal again, ultimately choosing Weber State over financial incentives.
Brown's decision to join Weber State wasn't just about football. It was about the relationships he had built and the joy of the game. He has already started training with Weber State receivers, including former Corner Canyon teammates and Kjar's sons, Tate and Noah. Brown's college career will conclude at Weber State, a picturesque campus nestled against the Wasatch Mountains.
While his former quarterback teammates have made their mark in the NFL, Brown's journey is unique. FCS quarterbacks have found success in the NFL, with five drafted in the last five years. Names like Trey Lance, Carson Wentz, Tony Romo, Joe Flacco, and Steve McNair prove that the FCS route can lead to the big leagues.
Brown's upcoming season at Weber State is an opportunity to showcase his talent. With limited college playing time, he has thrown just 55 passes, completing 31 for 379 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions. His meeting with NFL scouts in Ogden last week hints at a potential professional future, but for now, he's content to be reunited with his high school mentor.
And this is the part that sparks debate: Was Brown's decision purely driven by sentiment, or is there a strategic advantage to his choice? Could his unconventional path be a blueprint for others, or is it a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
