One of the more intriguing storylines heading into Colorado football’s season opener against North Dakota State is the long-awaited Buffs debut of Tyler Brown.
Prior to last season, the former Jackson State offensive lineman was denied eligibility in a widely criticized ruling from the NCAA. Brown, a two-time transfer who began his college career at Louisiana, appeared worthy of an immediate eligibility waiver due to his documented mental health struggles, but the NCAA ultimately forced Brown to sit out his first season in Boulder.
At CU’s fall sports media day earlier this month, I asked Brown about the emotions surrounding his looming Colorado debut:
“I’ve never been so excited for a college football season in my life,” Brown told Buffaloes Wire. “I wake up giddy every day because it’s one day closer to the game. Not being able to play last year has brought a whole new perspective and a whole new level of appreciation for the game that I love because I couldn’t do what I love. Yeah, I could practice. Yeah, I could lift weights. But I couldn’t help the team when the team needed the most, and that really made me grind and work harder. I wake up so excited and thankful every day.”
The 6-foot-3, 310-pound offensive lineman added that there might be some tears when he finally takes Folsom Field next Thursday.
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