MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. — One reason why Brock Townsend saw so much success on the Caledonia High School football team came down to his preparation.
"I think in my life I've always thought of just trying to be ahead of everything I do," Townsend said. "This is a great opportunity."
The Fighting Scots all-time leading rusher is already ahead of the game. After signing with Central Michigan in December, he decided to become an early enrollee in Mount Pleasant.
"It's been going great," Townsend said. "Learning the system, learning everything here, getting used to classes, things of that nature. It's been going good though. Making a lot of new friends. Really enjoying the campus."
The Chippewa coaching staff really enjoys what they see from a 17-year-old who joins a running back room that is already loaded with talent. Despite that, Townsend is still getting valuable spring reps as a freshman.
"It's not too big for him," Central Michigan Head coach Jim McElwain said. "You know, if you think about it, he should be going to the prom right now. He's here taking college classes and working his tail off. He's going to help us."
The Caledonia alum plans to help in any way possible. He knows he is the low man on the totem pole. He wants to earn his spot and not have it handed to him.
"Play my role that the team needs me to play whether that's on special teams, whether that's on punt, whether that's on kickoff, whatever it may be," Townsend said. "I just want to play my role and fulfill what they need me to do."
The Chippewas might need Townsend on more than just special teams in the fall. He is a highly regarded three-star recruit that could play a big role in the fall.
"He's a guy that can both catch it and run," McElwain said. "That's the thing we liked about him. He's versatile. he's not just, you know, a two-down back he can be an all-three-down back."
But all Townsend can be right now is grateful. He is living his dream as a college football player.
"I'm thankful every single day that I'm here," Townsend said. "Ever since I was little I always wanted to play D1 football. I never knew if I get that opportunity. CMU gave me a great opportunity here. I look forward to this every single day."
Brock is following in his father's footsteps. His dad Fred also played college football at Central Michigan and is always available for advice on how to handle himself as a college athlete and, of course, to tell him which restaurants are the best in town.
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