Photo by Memphis Commercial Appeal
Harding Academy’s Marlon Brown races down the sideline during a game this season. Brown has listed Tennessee among the colleges he is still considering, along with Ohio State, Georgia, Florida and LSU.
Click to view enlarge the graphic "News Sentinel Top 20 Prospects"
As the holidays come and go, the pressure mounts on Marlon Brown.
With little more than six weeks until National Signing Day, the prospect named the News Sentinel's best in the state realizes he must soon make his highly anticipated decision.
"I'm ready for it but I'm also nervous about it," the 6-foot-5, 205-pound receiver from Harding Academy in Memphis said. "This is a huge decision in my life right now."
Tennessee, Ohio State, Georgia, LSU and Florida are the semifinalists. Brown said he won't pare down his list until just before signing day. Don't expect any other hints anytime soon.
"When I announce, I'm going to have maybe three hats on the table and that's it," Brown said.
Who knows if UT will be in the final mix? Brown will take his official visit to Knoxville on Jan. 30, giving the Vols the last face-to-face impression before Signing Day on Feb. 4.
Brown has never spoken poorly of UT, even as it changed coaches in 2008. He's even said he's been impressed with newly hired head coach Lane Kiffin.
However, Brown has never seemed like a typical in-state fan/prospect destined to sign with his in-state school. He has carried a more business-like approach to his recruitment.
As proof, he will take all five of his official visits and has never named a leader during the process.
The downside to that approach (for Brown especially) is he has kept coaches and media calling from several schools. He's growing weary of the attention.
"It's been fun and it's also been kind of tiresome," he said.
Brown represents one of UT's last chances to add an in-state trophy to their recruiting cabinet.
Greg King is also a possibility, but not rated nearly as high. The linebacker from Memphis Melrose is No. 10 on the News Sentinel list.
It's not often that there's such a clear-cut No. 1 prospect in Tennessee. Usually there is a debate. Not this year. By all accounts, Brown is the cream of the crop.
UT, on the other hand, hasn't stood out nearly as much this season.
The Vols have only three in-state commitments, led by Hillsboro cornerback Eric Gordon.
Under then-coach Phillip Fulmer, the Vols landed early commitments from receiver Zach Rogers from David Lipscomb and center Kevin Revis from Rhea County.
Under Fulmer, it was clear that the Vols were determined to make evaluations early and offer scholarships shortly thereafter when appropriate.
That worked for Rogers and Revis and seemed to work for Dominique Allen from Henry County High School in Paris. Allen committed to UT, which made the first scholarship offer, then changed his mind and committed to LSU.
LSU is one of a handful of schools that has had success recruiting in Tennessee in light of a tumultuous season at UT.
Georgia, Notre Dame and Florida each landed a top five prospect. Ole Miss landed three Tennessee prospects, two rated in the top 10 by the News Sentinel.
It's clear that Kiffin has his work cut out for him to build a recruiting fence around the state, as he said in his introductory press conference.
At that same public address, Kiffin mentioned he was soon to board a plane and visit with the top prospect in the state, Brown.
That gives a clear indication of what Kiffin thinks of Brown. And while Brown might not make or break UT's class, his commitment would clearly be a reason to be optimistic about Kiffin's recruiting tactics.
There's reason to think Kiffin can land Brown. First, he looks like the same kind of receiver that has excelled at Southern California under Kiffin.
Second, Kiffin has had success recruiting in Tennessee. He helped land receiver Patrick Turner from Goodpasture in Nashville.
Brown would represent more to UT's class than just a big-time receiver. He'd represent an elite prospect willing to jump on board with Kiffin even without any sort of on-field track record at UT.
Without Brown … well, UT fans don't want to think about it.
Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knoxnews.com.
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
National Signing Day 2010
Signing day celebration at Neyland…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 119
seattlevol writes:
Mark my word. Marlon Brown will be a Vol
Irwin_Linker writes:
I promise you he will NOT be a Vol
tnbigg writes:
I think that the's not even sure yet...so we'll just have to see...
pdhuff#552644 writes:
After carefully weighing all the evidence and cold hard facts,
I dunno.
gnm53108 writes:
Cold hard facts?
Is that like something cold and frost brewed?
BigOrangeVol writes:
So far the recruiting fence around the state looks to be about knee-high.
tnbigg writes:
Is he is...or is he ain't..it ain't that he is and it ain't that he ain't...its just that he ain't declared whether he is or whether he ain't...and if he ain't declared whether he is...or whether he ain't...ain't nobody knows...not even Monte Claus...so here's to he bein is...and joining the rapidly rising stock of the Volunteer Nation...Merry Christmas my friend and to you a goodnight!
ctownvol writes:
Merry Christmas to all my GoVolsXtra buddies. I hope all of you guys have a great holiday. Even hiresanders... but especially tnbigg, tj, pdhuff, rabidvol1998, and many others including bama987. I know I am forgetting several, but Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. I love you guys.
jcrewvol writes:
Can we just put up an electrical fence?
tnbigg writes:
Thanks Bro'. Right back at ya'! Stay away from them syreens...I don't want you turned into no toad...
gnm53108 writes:
Merry Christmas everybody.
And please all of ya'll be safe.
I'd like to meet a bunch of ya but not tonight.
I work in an ER.
ctownvol writes:
I hear ya. I don't wanna go down the same road as ol Pete. I hope you and yours eapecially have a great christmas brother. You're a good man and an inspiration to me.
VolGraduate writes:
We really need this guy. Come to Knoxville and
be the next great Vol receiver.
And Merry Christmas! Even all you midgets that smell of cabbage.
ctownvol writes:
How 'bout especially?
ctownvol writes:
Volgrad- I apologize. I forgot to include my cabbage friend on my well-wishes. Merry Christmas man.
VolGraduate writes:
You too
tnbigg writes:
We are Brothers in Orange! Hey! How's about TommyJack and pdhuff scoring those cool shirts! The only way it could be better...is if he wrote the code for "pound the fritter"...5005!
5005 all y'all and many great Volunteer memories to behold in 2009! THIS IS TENNESSEE!
tnbigg writes:
I must now depart...but I leave you all with this...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mN70R-...
NEVER...EVER...FORGET...
BigOrangeVol writes:
Ctown if the KPD loves you up an' turns you into a horney-toad just rub a little Dapper Dan pomade all over yourself and everything will be alright.
They turned me into a newt. I got better!
Down_The_Field writes:
This is sad when we can't attract more talent from our own state than this. My biggest complaint with former CPF in the past was the desire to break our necks to go after the guy from California and New Jersey and forget about the kids in the top 10 of our own state. Well guess what? LSU, Ole MIss, Georgia, Flar-duh, et. al. are paying attention to our kids and they're going to there schools. And we wonder why we have to teach these kids from Philly to hate Flar-duh and Alabama. We never had to teach JJ McCleskey, Reggie White, Al Wilson or Mose Phillips to hate Alabama!
Good job with the effort and good luck CLK.....you're making it a priority and working hard to bring Tennessee's best to Knoxville.
I'd be nice to land this kid. A big strong WR...I like the sound of that.
BigOrangeVol writes:
Merry Christmas to all, even the miscreants.
jturne44 writes:
and what do you burn besides witches?
MORE WITCHES!!
ctownvol writes:
None shall pass! What is your name? What is your quest? What is your favorite color?
ctownvol writes:
Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time. Your father was a hampster and your mother smelt of elderberries.
volzcrushm writes:
You guys have some great points. LSU, OLE MISS, FLORIDA, ALABAMA, AND GEORGIA are picking our creme of the crop. CLK picked it from southern cal. along with the best from cal. Proof is on signing day!....right?! Landing the top 10 from any state is only half of the battle.
ctownvol writes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pWS8Mg...
ctownvol writes:
We, the knights who say Ni demand a sacrifice! You must chop down the mightiest tree in the forest with... a herring!
yabadabadoo1026 writes:
a top receiver isnt going anywhere that doesnt have a solid quarterback that can get the ball to him----we are a hard sell for that reason I'd guess--
NoogaVol55 writes:
I see your point...but UGA is going to be breaking in a new QB, UF might as well...I think we have a chance with Brown.
mdavis332#560634 writes:
It would be nice if he would go ahead and commit to Tenn. if he is indeed going there. It would help bring some of the others in the fold. So I really doubt he has them on his mind as a finalist. Say what you may but some of these kids want to bring attention to themselves and not the program they are going to. I do not buy that they don't know where they are going. Good luck Mr Brown but if you have the best interest in where you are going don't be afraid to announce and get the best talent available for OSU or UT or UF.
BlakeyWakey writes:
The vols have no shot at getting him ... he will go to Ohio State where all the players want to go and yet again loose another bowl game to an SEC team
BillsBrother writes:
Is Marlon Brown as fast as a fully laden swallow?
gnm53108 writes:
Eastern or European?
VolinCalif writes:
There is always hope guys. As for QB it is really a wait and see, Lane doesn't appear to be too worried about the QB position. He should be able to tell a recurit thing will be just fine.
Merry Xmas to all of you and yours. may the Football Fans be blessed in the comming year.
Go4Two writes:
Merry Xmas it has been fun talking to everyone
NorthwestVol writes:
Seattlevol I hope you are right, but your eyesight must be a lot better than mine to make that call from here.
Merry Christmas to all Vols (and maybe even a few gators and tides).
ctownvol writes:
Hope you and yours have a great Christmas bama. Peace on earth and goodwill towards all right?
bobbarbilly writes:
What is xmas??
JBruce writes:
A lot of convincing will have to be done before Brown signs with UT. Ohio State definately has the inside track on him, but I think he can be convinced if Kiffin can bring in a position coach that connects well with Marlon.
We need Austin Long more than we need Marlon Brown, but I doubt we will get either.
ctownvol writes:
There's no X in Christmas dude.
NorthwestVol writes:
Now that's funny right there.
bobbarbilly writes:
ctownvol, ya' know that's what I thought. I just hate to see it written that way.
govols87 writes:
speaking of Brown...did you guys see him break his leg?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGmT2j...
MemphisVol1485 writes:
Ha!!! I fart in your general direction!!!
BillsBrother writes:
Look up "XMAS" on wikipedia. It may change your thoughts. Though, like you, I prefer the full name.
gohawks1 writes:
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.
Urbiewerecomingtogetyou writes:
le tnbigg de Joyeux Noel, la famille de kiffin et les ventilateurs de vol.
disparaissent grande orange ! !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-pb45...
bricker865 writes:
Please tell me that's not your real name....
MidTennVol writes:
I don't care where this kid goes. "I'll have at least three hats on the table?" Give me a break. Another teenager full of himself.
Just once I'd like to see a little humility from these kids, a little grace.
If he doesn't want to be a Vol in his heart, then...
If he does choose UT, then I hope Condredge Holloway is still around to teach him what it means to be a Volunteer. (Condredge may be the ONLY still around...)
Merry Christmas, Marlon. Have fun making your rap video in Gainesville or Athens or wherever...
dfreeman writes:
Merry Christmas to all of you! I hope everyone is safe and sound! Go Vols!
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