St. Brown Experienced and Stronger

Notre Dame receiver Equanimeous St. Brown had high expectations heading into 2016 despite not having played much football his freshman campaign. The 6-foot-5, 203-pounder racked up 58 receptions for 961 yards and nine touchdowns as a sophomore to quietly turn heads across the nation.  

St. Brown believes last year’s experience has set him up for success this fall. 

“I’ve grown mentally from the experience I got last year,” St. Brown stated on Wednesday. “It was really my first year playing, so with the experience, I have grown and focused more on the mental part.

“Everything was pretty new and fast to me. Now, I feel like things are moving slower that I have experience and I am being smarter. I can see more, and that’s been helping me a lot.”

Another big step for St. Brown and many Notre Dame players has been the arrival of Director of Football Performance Matt Balis. The strength and conditioning program has allowed players to gain weight but most importantly keep weight on as camp comes to an end.  

“It’s helped a tremendous amount,” St. Brown said of the strength and conditioning changes. “I have gained a lot of weight, and I’ve maintained it. A lot of players lose the weight in camp, and I did last year, but I’ve maintained it this year. Right now, I am about 202. Last year going into the season, I was probably at 193. I was probably around 198 to 200 pounds at the start of camp last year. 

“I’ve also continued to get stronger as the season comes. I have gotten faster too.”  

St. Brown continued.

“We are still lifting hard in camp,” said St. Brown. “We’re still squatting and doing the big lifts, no matter the practice and it’s been a big part. We have to eat a lot too.”

With more speed, it’s not crazy to think St. Brown could play X at times, but the California native wants to stay at his W position. 

“I think the W is my spot,” explained St. Brown. “There are a lot of one-on-one matchups in the boundary. The ball gets there quicker, and it’s an easier throw for the quarterback. It helps to be a taller receiver too.”  

As for his quarterback, St. Brown hasn’t seen any changes in Brandon Wimbush before his first start. 

“He’s the same,” laughed St. Brown. “He’s composed and going day by day. He’s working on his reads and getting better as a quarterback.”