Isaiah Brown steps onto the field as more than just an All-State linebacker for Umatilla High School. The senior is the anchor of the Bulldogs’ defense. He is a difference-maker who sets the tone with fire and passion while holding his teammates accountable.

Isaiah is coming off an impressive junior season where he had 119 tackles and 23 tackles for a loss. He also had 2 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries.

“Isaiah is one of our leaders on this team,” says Umatilla head football coach Eric Samuels. “He holds his teammates accountable, plays with incredible fire and passion, and sets the tone every time he steps on the field. He’s the anchor of our defense and a true difference maker.”

Isaiah says he plays with a relentless edge, constantly looking to make big plays. Coach Samuels has watched him grow into a more complete player through improved communication, play recognition and the ability to find the football.

“It has been great to watch Isaiah grow, both as a young man and as a football player,” says coach Samuels. “His growth and development have been impressive, and it has been a pleasure to watch him become a more confident, complete, and impactful player.”

Isaiah’s playmaking also covers for the occasional coaching mistake. “It’s fun having a player like Isaiah,” says Samuels. “He makes my job a little easier on the field because he holds his teammates accountable. His playmaking ability also has a way of making up for the bad calls I make as a coach.”

College programs have taken notice. Brown is drawing interest from several schools and currently holds two offers. This season, he aims to lead the team in tackles for the second straight year while focusing on a bigger goal.

“Isaiah is getting looks from several different schools and currently holds two offers,” says coach Samuels. “He’s looking to make a major impact this season by becoming our leading tackler for the second year in a row. More importantly, Isaiah is focused on leading this team to a championship.”

Isaiah says football clears his mind and gives him an outlet he loves. “I like playing football because it takes a lot off my mind and I love to hit people,” he says.

“Something that motivates me is knowing I got to set an example for my younger siblings for when they get older,” Isaiah says.

His father introduced him to the game of football around age 8. His grandfather Rufus Brown played in the NFL and USFL in the 1980s. “My grandfather being a former NFL player means a lot to me. It motivates me even more to get to the level he got to,” Brown says.

Isaiah is also proud to wear the Bulldogs uniform, which he says carries special meaning. “Playing football for Umatilla means a lot to me. I’ve always been a Bulldog throughout my Pop Warner years and I will always be a Bulldog,” he says.

Last season’s 11-1 campaign stands out as his favorite memory. “My favorite memory is last season when we went 11-1 and we finished the regular season undefeated. The whole year was full of memories,” Brown says.

For Isaiah, there’s nothing like Friday Night Lights. The game of football has shaped how he approaches life. “Football has shaped me as a person to prepare for the real world and to realize it’s just like football. Challenges will get thrown at you but you gotta fight through and never give up,” he says.

As Isaiah approaches his final year of high school football, he shares some advice for younger athletes who will look to carry the torch in the coming years.

“No matter how hard it gets, never give up and always fight through adversity.”

Photos provided by Umatilla High Athletics