Barion Brown had an impressive first two seasons but has worked even harder to be better this season. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Sophomore Barion Brown is an elite kick returner/receiver who has speed few players even in the Southeastern Conference can match. However, he’s doing more than just relying on his game-breaking speed this season.
“He has done a great job. You can tell he has matured from spring until now. He has stepped into a leadership role. He demands the attention of young guys and it is important for him to do that,” Kentucky quarterback Brock Vandagriff said.
Vandagriff likes that Brown, a two-year starter, often asks him for advice.
“Obviously hoping to keep building on that and getting better with him. Barion is a great dude, great kid and any time we are talking it is a great time for me because I can learn from him,” Vandagriff said.
Brown has openly talked about how much harder he’s worked to get ready for this season than he did his first two at UK when he had 2,407 career all-purpose yards with 1,167 yards receiving, 145 yards rushing, 1,016 kick return yards and 79 punt return yards. He also returned four kickoffs for scores, including three in 2023.
“I think Barion would be the first one to tell you that he’s worked really hard and is just maturing and growing and that’s just a natural progression for players,” Kentucky coach Mark Stoops said. “I think everybody has such high expectations for him, as do we, because he’s so talented but he is just going into his third year.
“He was a true sophomore a year ago, and you just see that normal maturation process in what he’s doing and I appreciate the consistency that he’s had because he’s definitely maturing and growing and getting bigger, stronger, physically and mentally, more consistent. Very excited about Barion and what he’s capable of.”
He caught two touchdown passes against Southern Mississippi to extend his streak of at least one catch to 27 straight games – every game he’s been at UK – going into this today’s game with South Carolina.
