It's rare to hear that a kid from McKay High School will be playing college football at the Division I level. Brian Coburn has earned his way to play football for the University of San Diego. Talk about a growth-mindset. Brian, who is now a senior, is one of the hardest-working athletes to step onto the grounds of McKay -- a diverse high school with over 2,000 kids enrolled.
Brian's parents are Frank and Nicole, both McKay alumni. He has two sisters, Justine and Gilliam. The family has always been about team effort. His parents joined the booster club back in 2015. Though Frank is employed as a project manager for Johnson's Controls at Nike, he manages to find time to be the vice president of the booster club. Nicole volunteers in concessions and scheduling. She also keeps the books during games. Their kids help as well. In 2015, Frank started volunteering as the girls' JV basketball coach. Then later in 2019, he took the position as a football coach and Nicole stepped into the treasurer position for the booster club. What a supportive family for this high school, and they have done this for many years.
Brian grew up in Salem, Oregon, and attended Hammond Elementary School. He then was promoted to Stephen's Middle School. He was raised in the northeast side of Salem near the outskirts. He hung out with a group of friends in the neighborhood. Staying out of trouble was a challenge he faced during his grade-school days. He had so much energy and not enough constructive things to do. He didn't care about anything and simply was getting into fights. He would pick on kids or kids would pick on him, it didn't really matter.
Brian said, "The neighborhood kids I hung around with were normally older than I was, so I hung out with them most of the time. I found myself not being challenged enough academically and I believe that's when I started getting into trouble. I was trying to disrespect school and maybe leave school."
Brian's dad inspired him to start competing in sports. Signing him up in a first-grade-flag-football league -- and then Boys and Girls Club basketball. During the summers his mom and dad would enroll him into football camps -- this was such a great thing for Brian. It gave him a foundation of skill sets for football.
By the time Brian advanced to the seventh grade, his trouble-making attitude came to an end. His parents, teachers, and the principal were keeping an eye on him throughout the year. They finally sat down and had a talk with Brian. They came up with a plan to challenge him more in academics.
Brian said, "I started realizing how awful some of things I had done were. My parents and teachers were super helpful and helped me get my act together. They were a huge impact in my life and in my academics. I'm truly thankful for them. I started turning in my homework and doing the best I could in my studies."
Brian's attitude changed for the better. With his added curriculum in school, things were looking up. He went on to join a program called "Project Citizen" where a group looks at problems in the area and presents a solution at the state capitol. His grades started climbing and he became an honor-roll student at Stephen's Middle School.
Brian begin playing football in the seventh grade with a Pop-Warner team that was created for McKay youth in the northeast side of the city. His team did extremely well, but fell short in the final game, losing to Sprague.
Brian said, "I was so upset, we had such a great season. We lost to Sprague by a few points."
His eighth grade year was the first year that schools allowed students to play tackle football. He joined the Stephen's football team and had a great season. His football career started and he worked hard at every practice -- the intensity was visible. He was the type of kid that was gaining his coordination slowly. He went all out and at times didn't realize when to slow down. His science teacher was the coach and his dad was the assistant coach.
Brian also competed in basketball and track and field. In his eighth-grade year, Brian advanced to the state championships in the shot-put event. He started building on his skill sets in three sports.
During the summers, Brian's parents always took the family camping or maybe to other outdoor activities away from home -- Oregon has so many amazing areas. It was always a good break from a grinding year in sports or work.
In 2017-2018, Brian entered McKay High School -- he was a freshman. He was determined to play three sports and to do the best job he possibly could. He would also continue volunteering for the booster club that his parents were committed to -- they were so supportive of the McKay sports world.
McKay is a school where White kids are the minority. The school enrolls a dominance of Hispanics, Islanders, and Asians. Brian had no issues adapting to the different cultures.
Brian said, "I feel that McKay is a school where anyone is accepted. I never had problems making friends there. I never had issues with students, coaches, or teammates. I was treated well from the beginning ... but then again, I went to Stephen's Middle School, where the environment was similar. I enjoy those different types of foods from cultures -- you can't go wrong."
As a freshman in high school, his work ethic became even stronger, in sports and academics. Brian was carrying a 4.0 GPA. In sports he was working hard every day, whether it was football skill sets, basketball, or track and field. He made it to the varsity team in track and field -- specializing in the shot put.
With all the highlights and a great future ahead of him, he was motivated to do even better. And then he began to experience injuries. Brian pushed himself too hard at times -- he went passed one-hundred percent in intense effort during his workouts. He had such great passion to do more than his body could take, physically. That was a challenge that he had to work on. He even pulled a hamstring once, but to him, it meant taping it up and getting after it again.
Brian said, "Coach Clawson became my mentor in a few areas. One was definitely getting me to slow down when I was at my max on workouts. He helped me learn how to control how much I pushed myself. I just wanted to do the best to improve however I could."
By the time Brian was a sophomore, he had grown to 6' 3" and his hard work had paid off. He had made huge progress by becoming a varsity-three-sport athlete. In football he wanted to play tight end, but he accepted the roll of defensive tackle. The coaches felt he would best help the team in that position. In basketball he played forward -- he dived after basketballs and was a monster on the boards. People knew who Brian Coburn was, just the way he put in a strong effort out on the basketball court.
Former basketball coach, Dean Sanderson said, "I am very happy for Brian and his family. As one of his coaches we could always count on him to give his best and be ready to go for practices and games. He is a great kid and an example for other student athletes of the value of hard work and taking care of business off the court or field. His 4.0 GPA and work ethic opened up opportunities for him. I'm excited to see him succeed at the next level both on and off the field!"
In track and field he shined in the shot put and he improved in the discus. Brian advanced to the state meet with a toss of 48' 11". He just kept improving in each event because of his dedicated work ethic. The sacrifices he made like getting to practice early and staying late, well, there was no choice but to get better.
Brian continued volunteering for the booster club, along with his parents and sisters. He also volunteered for a huge event called "TedxSalem". That is an all-day event that happens every January in downtown Salem. The event requires many volunteers to make it successful. And the thing about his volunteering was that he always displayed a joy in what he was helping with.
Everything was going great for Brian in high school. At the start of his junior year, Head Coach Brandis Piper assigned him to the defensive tackle position. Brian had grown to a whopping 6' 4" and weighed 240 lbs. He would make an impact and become a strong contributor for the McKay Royal Scots. Unfortunately something happened that temporarily held him back for awhile.
Brian said, "It was in a game against Corvallis. It happened in the first half. I went for a tackle and as I was bringing down the player, one of my teammates pushed a man into my head from my front side. My neck went backward. I had never led with my head before, so this was my first neck injury ever. I had no idea what was going on."
The sideline trainer from the Corvallis team rushed out to the field to take a look. The entire crowd was at a gasp -- shocked. The trainer cut up the pads and checked him out. The trainer determined that Brian needed to be treated at the hospital. He took necessary action to make sure Brian didn't have any serious injuries that could affect his future. After extensive tests at the hospital, the result was that he had sustained a stinger -- a minor neck injury. There was no sign of a serious injury, however, he needed plenty of rest to recover. It was a scare for everyone in the McKay community. The football fans, teammates, coaches, and family were all thankful and relieved.
In Brian's junior year, his team fell short of making the playoffs, however, he had an amazing season. Brian had 58 total tackles; 8.5 sacks; 10 tackles for loss; 2 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. On offense he had one catch for 16 yards.
Brian Coburn gets a tackle in a game verses North Salem. Photo provided by Nicole Coburn.
Head Coach Brandis Piper said, "I had the privilege of coaching Brian for the past two years where he excelled as an individual and leader in our football program. He was a tireless worker who consistently pushed others to be their best and took advantage of every opportunity to grow. These are the things that stick out most to me about Brian, because you have to be at all of our events to see them. Brian truly exemplifies our programs idea of EAT (effort, attitude, toughness). My favorite play that Brian executed is a tough question, honestly. He impacted games regularly. One play that stands out to me is when we played Central. He beat the tackle off the line of scrimmage and forced them to throw a bubble screen. He was able to win his one-on-one match up recognizing the pass and changing directions to make the tackle on the receiver for minimal gain. That was a big-time effort. I still hold that, the impact he has on the culture of our program and his teammates, is his greatest contribution."
At the end of his basketball season, the Covid-19 pandemic hit hard and all of high-school sports were cancelled for everyone's safety. There were seniors that had made it to state from some of the local schools. The OSAA 6A state tournament started, but did not finish. It was a heart-breaker for many seniors.
Brian said, "It was so frustrating, no one expected the next few months without in-person school and no sports. It was tough for everyone."
Brian continued working out. He would lift weights at a gym near Airport Rd. And then later as time went by, the school allowed optional football workouts. With a delayed sports season, the plan was to have a shorter season for football, basketball, and track and field. Football practice would start in February sometime and games in March. Then basketball would follow with no state tournament planned. It's a frustrating challenge since things could change depending on the Governor's call and the OSAA.
In October 2020, some recruiters had texted Brian about college football. They were expressing interest. Though other options were still open, this college was really interested in Brian. They wanted him to play the defensive end position. In December 2020, Brian found out that this college had the best mechanical and electronic engineering programs.
After a successful recruiting trip to Southern California, Brian signed a letter of intent to play for the University of San Diego Toreros -- a Division I college. USD plays in the West Coast Conference (WCC). Head Coach Dale Lindsey will have a new defensive end added to his roster next season. This was great news for Brian, family, and friends. The entire NE Salem community was happy for him.
Brian said, "With things going crazy with the pandemic and all, I wanted to reach out to them and sign. I love that they have the programs I am interested in, and they are one of the best schools for these programs -- and to play college football is so special to me."
Brian maintains a 4.0 GPA, which is so impressive and a difficult task to accomplish. He is an example of how hard work pays off. The McKay community is so proud of Brian and what he has been able to accomplish.
McKay Coach Brandis Piper said, "Brian and San Diego really are a match made to work. He has the ability to play for a great coaching staff and program, where he can study engineering at an excellent school and the Toreros get a dedicated player, with fantastic work ethic and a high football IQ."
Nicole (mom), Brian, and Frank (dad). Photo provided by Nicole Coburn.
Nicole said, "I'm excited for Brian's future and I'm grateful he will be somewhat closer to home. As his mother, I am so proud of him and find his accomplishments rewarding to him and me. He has helped me for many years. I was sick and bedridden. He has helped other family members, helped at the school for boosters, and helped his dad and grandpa coach younger kids. When Frank volunteers, Brian is there most of the times. Brian has even volunteered at TedxSalem for three years."
In his senior year of 2021, all three sports will be shorter beginning in March -- due to safety protocols with pandemic issues. Brian plans on playing all three sports again. He will be a valuable part of each varsity team for the Royal Scots.
Frank said, "What got him there was all his hard work in the classroom and his dedication of learning on and off the field. For him to be included in the small amount of kids to be able to play at that next level is exciting for any parent. For him to play the sport he loves while continuing his education is all a parent could ask for when they have a student athlete."
I want to wish Brian Coburn the best in his senior year of high school and in his future at the University of San Diego. He has earned every bit of his success!
Brian and his girlfriend, Mercy, after a great game at McKay. Photo by Nicole Coburn.
Brian, What are your study habits like?
I carry my backpack around with my books and whenever I get a chance I study. Sometimes in the hallways, during an away game, or whenever possible. Time management is huge, because I schedule study time around my practices or games.
Favorite NFL team?
San Francisco 49ers!
Do you have a short-term goal?
I'd love to beat every Salem-Keizer team my senior year.
Do you have a long-term goal?
I want a career in mechanical engineering or electronic engineering.
What advice can you give a young kid that wants to play sports?
As much time that you put into practicing, you want to put that much time into stretching out. It prevents injuries.