NORTHVILLE - While talent played a major role in becoming a Michigan commit, there was a little bit of luck involved for Justin Brown.

“It all began at the Future Games when I got a surprise invite,” Brown reflected back on when interest from Michigan started. “The invite was a little late, it came when someone dropped out.”

That proved to be all the sixth-ranked 2024 right-handed pitcher in Michigan needed to make an impression on college coaches.

“After that I got invited to a Michigan camp and from there I got an offer a couple days after the camp,” the Northville junior said. “I made the decision a week after that. It went quicker than I thought.”

All helped out, by an opportunity to showcase his talents at the premier PBR event of the year in Lake Pointe, Ga.

“We didn’t talk at the Future Games but we had a call a few weeks later,” related Brown, while assessing his performance pitching for Team Michigan. “I filled up the zone well and spun my pitches pretty well. My velo was nice, I think they liked that.”

There was more that Michigan came away impressed about from the 22nd-rated junior in the state.

“I fit in by means of being a good student,” noted Brown, who carries a 3.95 GPA at Northville. “Plus, they really need arms. And I’m a competitor. I want to pitch, I want to win, and they have a program where I can go to win.”

A jump in size benefitted the cause in becoming a commit to the Big 10 baseball power.

“I always wanted to play college baseball since I was little but I never knew the dream could become a reality until I had a breakout summer, that’s when the dream became a reality,” Brown explained. “My weight and height shot up.”

A 5-10 140-pounder was suddenly 6-2 and weighing 190.

“I also developed as a pitcher and started understanding what being a pitcher was all about,” Brown related. “Aside from size, I watched a lot of videos on mechanics and got them straightened up and became more efficient in what I was doing. I also started throwing my offspeed in better counts. Now I feel comfortable throwing offspeed on 2-0 and 3-0 counts.”

It all added up and when given the chance to pitch at the Future Games, schools took notice. Brown had offers from Ohio State and Michigan State while also taking a visit to Xavier.

“It all started at the PBR Future Games,” Brown pointed out. “I hadn’t had any contact or phone calls before that. But after that I had calls flowing in. It was stressful, but over time it became less stressful. The PBR Future Games really helped with the process.”

There was additional help along the journey to becoming a Michigan commit.

“My parents played a big part in my recruitment, helping with calls,” Brown explained. “I was nervous at first, but my dad showed me how to go about it. My dad’s been coaching me since I was little and helped me become the pitcher that I am now.”

Relief came when a commitment became official.

“The whole family was really excited,” Brown said. “Knowing I’ll be a Wolverine and follow in my mom’s footsteps going there feels awesome. I’ll get a great education while playing at a high level. I’ve always had Michigan gear, so putting it to use will be nice.”

The belief is Brown can make a major impact in a maize-and-blue uniform.

“In a couple of years I’ll be a power arm,” noted Brown, who will turn 17 on Nov. 17. “I’ll be a great teammate and a great competitor on the mound. I think I can help them win a Big 10 championship and even a national championship.”

That is just part of what Brown envisions in college.

“I’m looking forward to hanging out with the new recruiting class,” Brown said. “I look forward to building relationships with all the players and coaches and going out on the mound and competing.”

Something in the field of business economics is the planned major for the Northville High School junior.

“The campus is unique, I like the ballpark, I love their mound, I love the environment, I love the people,” Brown said about the university in Ann Arbor, a half hour from home. “I’ve always been a Michigan fan and always wanted to go there. It really  means something to me. My biggest dream has been to go D-I, go D-I and I always wanted to go to Michigan and be a Wolverine. It feels great to fulfill that dream.”