Kentucky Football: Eli Brown’s transfer was for family reasons

There was a lot of confusion when linebacker Eli Brown announced he would transfer from the Kentucky Football program and go to Western Kentucky University.

Brown was coming off of a solid year in which he had started when Jordan Jones was injured and had played in 12 games, totaling 38 tackles including two tackles for loss.

But Brown recently spoke with Larry Vaught, and explained his decision to transfer from the program.

“I had to take care of my family,” Brown said.

By that, he is speaking about his younger siblings.

“It’s hard to take care of two sisters while in college and having to pay the bills. My family decided it would be best if I would move back home (to Bowling Green) and get some support to help me,” Brown said. “The house I grew up in is right down the street from Western. I can walk to the stadium. I truly loved UK but I have to do this to take care of my family.”

Brown had two sisters in foster care after his mother passed away a few years ago, he told Vaught, and a 16-year-old brother that still is.

Brown obviously would’ve had a major role in the UK linebacker group this year, but after reading the story of why he transferred, it is hard not to blame him. Brown seems like a very mature guy who had to make a very tough decision.

It’s clear that he still loves the program and holds no ill will, which is a positive.

I would highly encourage everyone to head over to LEX18 and read Vaught’s piece on Brown. It is well-written and provides an in-depth look at the situation. You can find that piece here.

We’ll be cheering for you, Eli.