NATCHEZ — Earon Brown proved a lot of work can go a long way.

The Natchez High School senior entered Lance Reed’s football program as a freshman with little experience.

But as time passed, Brown found what worked best for him, and capitalized on it.

In his senior year, Brown caught 65 passes for 700 yards and seven touchdowns. The feat was enough to earn Brown MHSAA second-team All-State accolades.

Brown said he wasn’t expecting to win the award, but he was happy his hard work was noticed.

“I was really excited about it when I found out,” he said.

Brown has learned a lot in his four years as a Bulldog, but one thing Reed said set Brown apart from other receivers was how he could make use of his body size.

“He figured out he’s a big kid and that he could break tackles and make some plays after he catches (the ball),” Reed said. “I think it’s something he’ll steadily improve on as he goes to the next level.”

Reed said he is proud of Brown’s progression over the years as he remembers the type of raw player Brown was when he first came to Natchez.

“He has really developed and improved since his freshman year,” Reed said. “He was kind of awkward and didn’t really understand his potential, and he grew to a really athletic, physical kid.

“The thing about it is, he has a bunch more potential.”

Even tough football season is over, Brown said he is still aiming to reach his full potential.

“I’ve been running routes, working on getting on my cuts quicker and my speed,” Brown said. “I want to play football in college.”

Though Brown has yet to pick a college to attend in the fall, he said he wants to major in physical therapy.