Long Beach’s Brown becomes centerpiece of Mississippi State defense

In just about every way imaginable, Richie Brown is winning.

Heading into his fifth year as a Mississippi State linebacker, Brown is a three-time Academic All-SEC member. He posted a 3.52 grade point average in industrial technology, earning his degree earlier this summer and is working on a masters in 2016.

Brown has put in his most noticeable work on the football field, and that earned him a spot on the Butkus Award watch list on Tuesday. The honor is awarded to the nation’s top college linebacker.

The Long Beach native has more experience than anyone on the MSU roster coming into his final year. He’ll be the starting middle linebacker with 197 tackles, 17 tackles for lost yardage, 10 pass deflections and five interceptions in 39 games in his career, but his individual play isn’t the only thing that will help Bulldog defense this season.

His leadership might be as important as any attribute.

“Last year I had Beniquez (Brown) and me and him kind of worked together to lead the guys, but now it’s really on my shoulders to make sure everybody is lined up and set,” Brown said. “I have experience under my belt and it’s my job to calm things down when they get hectic.“

There may be reason for uncertainty for players on the roster as MSU works under new defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon. In his first stint as a defensive play caller, Sirmon is implementing a variation of the 3-4 defensive front, something that Brown said takes some getting used to.

“We’ve run some 3-4 in the past but we didn’t really emphasize it a lot. I think it will be emphasized more this year,” Brown said. “I think it’s something that we did a lot in the spring to make sure we’re used to it.

“We’re learning fast. Defense is defense. There’s a little bit of a lingo but it’s all about go tackling the guy with the ball. Once we get the lingo down, I think things are going to go pretty smoothly.”

Sirmon and Brown have worked well together so far with both being tireless students of the game. Sirmon's experience as a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans has come in handy for all involved

“He’s an ex-NFL guy and has been in our shoes before. He’s a great leader and I have a lot of respect for him. We get along well,” Brown said. “He is bringing new things to the table and we’re really excited about it.”

For the third year in a row, Brown will be under a new defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. That hasn’t seemed to bother the stone-faced tackler as he’s improved his numbers each year.

After doubling his tackles with 109 last season and making 13 tackles for lost yardage a year ago, he’s hoping to make his final season in Maroon and White the best yet.

“I’ve taken a lot from all three of them and I think it’s kind of helped me as a football player,” Brown said. “I’m going into the NFL so I’m going to have to learn another defense there as well. I think it’s helped me be able to adjust in a year but ultimately, it’s still defense. It’s the same identity as Mississippi State.

“All three coaches, I’ve taken something unique from each one. I’ve kind of applied it to my game and it’s helped me become a better player.”

This story was originally published July 12, 2016 at 2:31 PM with the headline "Long Beach’s Brown becomes centerpiece of Mississippi State defense."