By RICK PETERSON
TopSports.news
When three-sport standout Tyce Brown left Shawnee Heights in 2019 he was all set to be a college baseball player.
But nearly three years later, after a breakout season for Washburn University football, the 6-foot, 185-pound wide receiver is convinced that he belongs on the gridiron.
Former Shawnee Heights three-sport standout Tyce Brown has been a key contributor for the 5-3 Washburn football team this fall, including seven catches and a TD in last Saturday's 37-9 win over Central Oklahoma. [Photo by Rex Wolf/TSN]
Brown began his college career at Division I Xavier in baseball and was a member of the Ichabod football and baseball teams after transferring to WU in the fall of 2020.
But it's in football where Brown has made his biggest contribution, moving into a prominent role for the 5-3 Ichabods.
Brown played in 10 games in 2021 as a receiver and member of WU's special teams, making seven catches for 97 yards, but he has already blown away those numbers this fall.
Entering this Saturday's game at Northeastern State, Brown has 20 catches for 234 yards and two touchdowns, including 11 catches for 104 yards and both TDs over the past two games while stepping in to help take up the slack left by an injury to senior receiver Collin Wilson.
Brown is coming off his best game as an Ichabod in last Saturday's 37-9 romp past Central Oklahoma, making seven grabs for 68 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown.
"I'm having fun and putting a lot of trust in my teammates, putting a lot of trust in my coaches and just doing what they're asking of me,'' Brown said. "I'm just ready to go whenever my number's called.
"We put the work in, so whenever I step on the field I'm confident I can get it done.''
Brown said it helps him being part of a talented WU receiving corps, led by senior All-American James Letcher Jr., the Ichabods' all-time record-holder for pass receptions and all-purpose yards.
"He's honestly one of the best ballplayers I've ever seen, in person for sure,'' Brown said. "Just playing with him really does open up a couple of things and I love playing with those guys. They work their butts off.''
Brown, who has two years of eligibility remaining, said that although he's always loved baseball, this fall has shown him that he needs to focus his attention on football for the remainder of his career.
"We tried the baseball thing again and I thank them for my opportunity, I'm just starting to focus on football,'' Brown said. "We lose Collin, JJ (Letcher) and Pete (Afful) after this year, so I've got to lock in and really kind of got to take over the leadership part, just like they've done for me.''
