New NFL rule change has draft hopeful Ahmarean Brown hearing from more teams
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Detroit, MI. One of the hundreds of players who hope to hear their name called this weekend is former South Carolina wide receiver Ahmarean Brown.
Known for his speed, Brown shared that with the new NFL rule rule change to kickoff, he believes his value on special teams could play in his favor to earning a spot with a team.
“I spoke with a couple special teams coordinators and anytime I spoke with a team I let them know that I’m a returner as well,” Brown told GamecockCentral, ahead of this weekend’s draft. “A few teams have brought it up that they think I’d do pretty well in that format. Just getting the ball in my hands anyway possible and letting me go is a huge plus for me. I’m super excited, not only for me but I think it’ll be fun for the league in general. I think it’ll bring some new excitement.
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This past March the NFL announced that starting this season, teams will be kicking off from their own 35-yard line but every player on the kicking team, aside from the kicker, will now start with at least one foot on the return team’s 40-yard line. Neither the kicking team, or the return team, can move until the ball makes contact with the kick returner. The format is similar to what the XFL debuted last year. There’s additional rules as to where a kicker can kick it, but we’ll avoid the popsicle headaches for the purpose of this story. See video below for an example.
Last season, the NFL saw a record-low 22% of kickoffs returned. While the rule will take some time to getting used to for fans, players, and coaches alike, it should see a rise in kickoffs being returned.
Like we’ve seen in recent years from former South Carolina players like Jalen Brooks, Nick Muse, and Nate Adkins, just to name a few, there’s been additional interest from teams for Brown because they know he played at a program where special teams was truly valued.
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“Playing for coach (Pete) Lembo was one of the biggest blessings in my life. Playing at the next level, for a guy like me, I’m gonna have to play special teams and it’s something that I’m wiling do. Especially with the new format for the kickoff. Just to be able to get the ball in my hands to be able to make some moves, I think it’s gonna be exciting… I can excel not only on kickoff but on punt (returns) too.”
Special teams aside, Brown is a versatile offensive weapon who has the ability to lineup anywhere on the field. Despite dealing with some injuries in 2023, he still managed to catch 26 passes for 265 yards and a touchdown. His 265 receiving yards were the third most by any Gamecock last season.
“Being with DLo (Dowell Loggains) with his experience in the NFL was great. He taught me and the other guys about just playing football and the things you need to know when you get to the next level. Also coach (Justin) Stepp played a huge role as to where we are today… Him and DLo, just making sure we know the ins and outs, the small details that we need to know at the next level because at the next level, it’s not just about talent because everyone has talent. It’s about knowing those details and doing the small things the right way,”
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With Brown’s projection being anywhere between being a late Day 3 pick to being a undrafted free agent, he knows that regardless of where he goes he’ll need to prove himself. Something that he welcomes and is eager to getting started with.
“I’m a guy who is ready to come in and work. I don’t have any issues off the field, so you don’t have to worry about that. I just want to work and put some pads on because I’m ready to play ball.”
You can watch Brown’s full interview with GamecockCentral at the top of the page. On Thursday morning, be sure to lookout for this year’s annual Gamecock NFL Draft guide to give you a better idea what to expect on each South Carolina draft hopeful.
