Michigan State Football: Freshman CB Shakur Brown pushing for snaps

Shakur Brown, a late June addition to the 2017 class, is making a push to earn early snaps at cornerback this fall for Michigan State football.

Freshman Shakur Brown had originally committed to West Virginia but not did sign on 2017 National Signing Day. He also held offers from the likes of Tennessee, Ole Miss and Kentucky. Brown kept his recruitment open and in June decided he would go green. The 6-foot, 180-pound defensive back/receiver was a Class 5A all-state team at defensive back in Georgia.

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Coach Mark Dantonio acknowledged that Brown is a day behind the other players because he was shoring up his academics but Dantionio is impressed already. Things will have to play out at training camp but Brown could supplant Brandon Sowards on special teams.

Josiah Scott, the early enrollee freshman, was perceived to be the early favorite to be a starter at cornerback because of his excellent spring performance. However, Dantonio has not praised him openly thus far leaving some to wonder if the other cornerback spot opposite Justin Layne is still up for grabs. Brown could swoop in and snatch it if he continues to have a great training camp.

Shakur plays the ball well once it is in the air. He is quick-twitch player who does not get beat with excellent jumping ability. Brown is able to contort his body in the air and effortlessly make adjustments to poorly thrown balls. He is incredibly shifty as a return man and has the breakaway speed to take the pigskin to the house.

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Layne has appeared to already shore up one cornerback side. It appears the other spot will have much competition this camp moving forward.