After two years away from competitive play, Tennessee Tech kicker Carter Brown is making the most of his return by turning preparation and trust into opportunities on the field. With the support of his coaches and teammates, Brown has rebuilt his confidence, showcased his kicking range and earned national recognition for his performance and commitment to giving back to the community.
Tennessee Tech kicker Carter Brown has been named to the Fred Mitchell Award mid-season watchlist, a national honor recognizing outstanding placekickers for their performance on the field and their contributions to the community.
Tennessee Tech kicker Carter Brown said the recognition highlights student athletes from across the FCS, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and JUCO levels. Brown said the award is particularly meaningful because it marks his return to competitive play after not being on the field for the past two years.
“It means a lot to me just because I didn’t play the past two years. Being able to get back out there, show what I can do and be recognized for it is really nice to have,” Brown said. “Having people that push me out there to be recognized for those things has been amazing as well.”
Brown said his success this season includes making two 52-yard field goals during a close game against Furman. Brown said these long-distance kicks allowed him to demonstrate his range while helping the team secure a conference victory.
“I’ve kind of always had it, not had many attempts from deep, it’s not common to have a coach that sends you out there that often from deep, so it’s been nice kind of being able to showcase what I can do as well as help the team at the same time,” Brown said. “When it comes to scenarios like that, it all comes down to kind of falling back on your preparation one, knowing you’ve done it a million times out on that field or the field you’re playing on, and having people around you that trust you and will be by your side kind of no matter what happens in that scenario.”
Brown said he built the confidence to execute from beyond 50 yards by focusing on fundamentals and practicing extensively during the summer. Brown said he worked through numerous repetitions with teammates Chase Lanham and Daniel Chevalier to prepare for various field positions.
“I started with fundamentals, it all comes down to that, so getting those ironed out before the season started really helped me,” Brown said. “All summer I was out there with Chase Lanham and Daniel Chevalier getting reps from deep, close, kind of everywhere we thought we’d be on the field, so became really comfortable with them and being back deep on the field.”
Brown said the coaching staff played a vital role in his development by maintaining constant belief in his abilities. Brown said he has a long-standing relationship with the special teams coordinator, Coach Wilson, whom he has known for eight years.
“It all comes down to belief,” Brown said. “Since I’ve got here Coach Wilder has always believed in me and Coach Wilson I’ve known for eight years the special teams coordinator. Having those guys being able to believe in me and as well just being there for me has been great.”
Brown said the Fred Mitchell Award also emphasizes community service, a philosophy encouraged by Coach Wilder. Brown said the supportive environment at Tennessee Tech motivates him to give back to the fans and the local area.
“It’s important for me to give back to the community because it is a place that’s given me a significant opportunity to show what I can do,” Brown said. “In the little time I’ve been here, everyone’s been great, everyone’s always been caring, supportive, so being able to give back to those people that show up for us on Saturdays or even just support us off the field has been great.”