FAU football cornerback Kahzir Brown brings physicality to the Owls’ defense.
One of the more underrated transfers that occurred prior to the 2024 season was Maine Black Bears cornerback Kahzir “Buggs” Brown coming to play football for the FAU Owls. Brown not only brings a sense of determination to the Owls, but a hint of physicality to go with it.
Who is Kahzir Brown?
Kahzir Brown went to high school at Trenton City in New Jersey and played under coach Greg Hyslop. As a high school player, “Buggs” played on both sides of the ball, and was also a returner. Despite showing excellent potential at Trenton City, Brown enrolled at Maine to play for the Black Bears as a zero-star recruit. In an exclusive interview with The League Winners, Brown was told that converting full-time to cornerback would help him with recruitment, and thus began his college career.
The Maine Black Bears
Playing for the Black Bears would give Brown his first taste of football, and that taste was bittersweet at first. When Brown first got to camp for the Black Bears, he was beat by wide receiver Devin Young in practice. That was the reality check Brown needed.
However, as injuries accrued for the Black Bears, Brown slowly started finding himself climbing the depth chart. Until eventually, Buggs would get his first start of the season against William and Mary. In that game he would have five tackles and an interception. It would be the start of a strong career at Maine – despite the team’s overall struggles.
Another takeover for the @blackbearsfb defense today!
Kahzir Brown with the interception#CAAFB pic.twitter.com/V2LhgmPfG4
— CAA Football (@CAAFootball) October 16, 2021
As a player, Brown would really start to find his stride in 2022. That season, Brown finished third on the team with 59 tackles. However, he led the Black Bears with nine pass breakups, and tied the team lead with two interceptions – including one pick-six against Monmouth in which he completely baited the quarterback.
PICK SIX! Kahzir Brown gets the interception and takes it to the house. @BlackBearsFB doubles its lead, 21-7 Black Bears. #CAAFB
📺 @FoxABCMaine, @FloFootball
➡️ https://t.co/wZhH1155bM pic.twitter.com/oQB1bIK1wR— CAA Football (@CAAFootball) October 15, 2022
Brown also showed a knack for finding the football on special teams, being credited for one blocked kick.
At 6 feet 3 inches, his length would become a problem for opposing teams. On top of that, his physicality showed that he was on another level in comparison to some of his peers. And in 2023, it seemed like he put it all together.
In his final year at Maine, Brown led the team with 61 tackles. Yet while he didn’t lead the Black Bears in interceptions (1), he did lead the team in pass breakups with seven, and also had two forced fumbles on the season.
Former Black Bears head coach Nick Charlton had this to say about Brown back in 2021 regarding the cornerback’s readiness.
“He prepares every single day,” said UMaine head coach Nick Charlton. “When you look at how he approaches this thing, we had a feeling he would have a shot to come in here and play. Ultimately, the situation presented itself and he has taken advantage of his opportunity … He’s very gifted. He is fast, he is physical. He has all those features. Again, I like his level of preparedness and how he attacks every single day.”
Unfortunately, the end of Brown’s career with Maine wouldn’t end well from a win-loss perspective, as the team finished 2-9 in back-to-back seasons. That, among other circumstances, would force Brown to enter the transfer portal.
From UM to FAU
Despite starting his career as a zero-star recruit, Brown became a three-star transfer as he entered the portal. After receiving multiple offers, the New Jersey product would choose to come play for Tom Herman and the FAU Owls.
In fact, Brown highlighted a number of great transfer acquisitions for Florida Atlantic, alongside Marshall quarterback Cam Fancher.
Entering the 2024 season, Brown has already made waves for his play while at Maine. The cornerback was mentioned among three FAU players on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 watch list this summer. He was also mentioned as a Phil Smith All-AAC Third Team and Athlon All-AAC Fourth Team member this preseason. And heading into the season, it appears like the Owls know they have a gem on their hands.
Mic’d w/ @kahzirbrown 🎙️#TriCountyTakeover#WinningInParadise pic.twitter.com/NntGGYbWv0
— Florida Atlantic Football (@FAUFootball) August 3, 2024
