The catch? Brown awed by recruiting attention

Reading college football prospects is far more challenging than tea leaves or tarot cards.

That being said, a pattern seems to be developing with Marlon Brown, a pattern that Tennessee coaches can't help but be encouraged by.

For instance, the 6-foot-5 205-pound receiver from Harding Academy in Memphis has only taken one trip to inspect one of the many colleges that have offered him a scholarship. That trip was to Knoxville late last month. No other trips are scheduled.

After meeting with UT's coaches and seeing its campus, Brown even goes so far as to say he could see himself playing for the Vols.

But just when it seems like the clouds in the crystal ball are parting, Brown is quick to point out that UT isn't leading for his services. No one is.

"Right now, I'm just wide open," said Brown, who many believe is the top prospect in the state.

And just when it seems like Brown might be a candidate for an early, in-state commitment, he says he might not even have his decision by National Signing Day 2009 in February.

"I'm going to try and make it by Signing Day," Brown said, "but I don't think that will happen."

Talk to Brown a bit longer and you realize just why he has no plan for his college recruitment. See, Brown is still a bit shocked to be such a sought-after prospect, calling all the attention "crazy" and his stature as a highly-touted prospect a "big surprise".

Brown isn't even sure how many scholarship offers he's received.

"A lot," he said. "I don't even have a number."

Most think it's at least 15. Probably more. Maybe many more.

Ole Miss was the first to extend an official invitation. Alabama, Miami, Notre Dame and just about anybody else you can think of quickly followed suit.

What school wouldn't be interested in Brown? When asked to compare himself to another receiver, Brown offers up one of the most dominant pass catchers in recent college football history.

"Maybe, Calvin Johnson," Brown said referring to the former Georgia Tech star who just completed his rookie year with the NFL's Detroit Lions.

Like Johnson, Brown excels after the catch when he can use his frame and athleticism against smaller, and often slower, defensive backs.

"It's fun scoring touchdowns," Brown said.

Dave Hooker covers recruiting. He may be reached at hookerd@knews.com.

© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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