Mel Brown Named to 2025 Jet Award Preseason Watchlist

STORRS, CT – UConn operating again and return specialist Mel Brown (Stone Mountain, GA) has been named to the 2025 Jet Award Preseason Watchlist, recognizing him as one of many nation’s prime return specialists heading into the faculty soccer season.

The Jet Award, named in honor of 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny “the Jet” Rodgers, is offered yearly to the highest return specialist in faculty soccer. Brown joins an elite group of candidates being acknowledged for his or her distinctive talents as kick and punt returners.

Brown has established himself as a dynamic dual-threat participant, excelling each as a operating again within the offensive backfield and as a game-changing return specialist on particular groups. Last season, Brown was second within the nation in kickoff returns, averaging a formidable 29.1 yards per return on 17 makes an attempt. His explosive means was on full show with a spectacular 96-yard kickoff return for a landing within the common season finale at UMass.

The Jet Award choice course of begins with semifinalist bulletins in late October, adopted by finalist alternatives in mid-November. The winner shall be introduced in December and honored on the annual awards ceremony.

Brown and the Huskies open their 2025 season on Saturday, August 30 towards in-state foe Central Connecticut at residence at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

About the Jet Award Established in 2011, the Jet Award acknowledges the highest return specialist in Division I faculty soccer. Named after Nebraska legend Johnny “the Jet” Rodgers, the award honors gamers who reveal excellence in kick and punt returns whereas embodying management, braveness, and self-discipline each on and off the sector.