New Georgia running backs coach Thomas Brown knew he had to leave the Bulldogs to further his career, and he is forever grateful for the opportunity that was provided in Chattanooga.
Brown had been a strength and conditioning assistant for the Bulldogs during the 2011 season, which wasn't long after his unfulfilled, two-year stint in the NFL. His coaching route opened in February 2012, when UTC coach Russ Huesman offered him the running backs post with the Mocs.
"That first year forced me to kind of get thrown right into the fire after never having the opportunity to be an on-the-field coach," Brown said Monday. "It was a huge growing stage for me, and I am very thankful for Coach Huesman and that staff for giving me that opportunity. I learned a bunch from them, and I was able to prepare my career from there."
Brown worked just one season with the Mocs before moving on to Marshall in 2013 and Wisconsin this past season. At Wisconsin, Brown further developed Melvin Gordon, who rushed for 2,587 yards and was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
Last season was one Brown will never forget, but it was his early days with the Mocs that were the most challenging.
"It was rough at first because I went from just being hired to a week later having position meetings in a brand-new offense," he said. "I had a group of guys who had been coached well in the past looking at me like, 'Teach me something.' So that was an adjustment process there.
"It was difficult learning so much stuff in one small window, but it went well. We had a pretty successful year, the backs played well, and I learned from those guys."
?Nick Chubb, who rushed for 1,547 yards last season as a freshman and is an early 2015 Heisman Trophy candidate, is the heavy favorite to be Georgia's starter. Brown, however, said Monday that every tailback has a clean slate and that every practice will be an interview.
Brown was at Georgia for the first month of Keith Marshall's college career, and Marshall is now the veteran of the backfield. Brendan Douglas is a reliable junior, while Sony Michel will be in the mix as well after having a solid freshman season when he was healthy.
"We're deep here, and we've got some talented guys," Brown said. "These guys are a whole lot better than I ever was."
Brown, who rushed for 2,646 yards as a Georgia tailback from 2004 to '07, will be responsible in recruiting for Gwinnett and Cobb counties within the state, as well as South Florida, Virginia and Maryland.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.