Brown: 'I think I'm the best wide receiver in the nation'

ORLANDO, Fla. - University of Tennessee football fans didn't have to wait long to see Marlon Brown make an impact in the Under Armour All-American Game on Sunday night.

The receiver from Harding Academy in Memphis streaked 71 yards for a touchdown after catching a pass from Southern California quarterback commitment Matt Barkley on Team White's first offensive play from scrimmage.

The route was as impressive in its simplicity as it was in its impact on the game, giving Team White a 7-0 lead.

"It was a slant route," said Brown, high on UT's prospect list. "I ran inside and scored a touchdown."

Some analysts questioned Brown's explosiveness this week, not surprising considering Brown is 6-foot-5 and 205 pounds.

Brown didn't lack any needed burst during his 71-yarder as he out-raced Team Black's defenders and scored untouched.

"I think I'm the best wide receiver in the nation," Brown said shortly after the catch, citing his size and speed to support his claim.

Brown is one of UT's top priorities of the 2009 class. The News Sentinel ranks Brown as the top prospect in the state. ESPN ranks Brown as the second-best receiver and the 17th-best prospect in the nation.

Brown is considering UT, Georgia, Florida, LSU and Ohio State. He is scheduled to host a contingent of UT coaches Monday in Memphis, likely recruiting coordinator Ed Orgeron and defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Brown was a focal point of Team White's offense, often the target of its quarterbacks. Brown also caught a 9-yard pass for a first down during a first-quarter scoring drive.

Team White won 27-16.

Prospect Plays: Receiver Alshon Jeffrey only managed 1 yard on an end-around as he was given inadequate blocking downfield. The 6-3, 215-pound receiver from Calhoun County High School in Saint Matthews, S.C., also couldn’t reel in an underthrown pass and was criticized by ESPN commentators for not playing hard enough.

Jeffrey is committed to Southern California but will take official visits to UT and South Carolina this month and has expressed concern about playing so far from home.

Tailback Jarvis Giles from Gaither High School in Tampa, Fla., dropped what could have been a long gain on a screen pass in the first half. The former UT commitment is set to enroll at South Carolina this week.

Defensive end Sam Montgomery from Greenwood (S.C.) High School registered a sack and a forced fumble on LSU quarterback commitment Russell Shepard. The fumble resulted in a 23-yard return for a touchdown. Montgomery is considering UT, South Carolina, North Carolina, Clemson, LSU and Georgia.

Former UT prospect Stephon Gilmore reeled in an interception in Team White’s end zone. Gilmore, who is committed to South Carolina, was strongly leaning towards UT before the 2008 season began.

Sunday Picks: Offensive guard John Martinez from Cottonwood High School in Salt Lake City, Ga., selected Southern California over LSU and UCLA.

Two prospects from Seminole High School in Sanford, Fla. - athlete Ray Ray Armstrong and defensive end Dyrone Dye - each chose Miami over Florida. Teammate Andre DeBose, however, commited to be a Gator.

Athlete Branden Smith from Booker T. Washington High in Atlanta chose Georgia over Alabama, Florida and Florida State.

Center Mark Brazinski from Immaculate High in Basking Ridge, N.J., chose California over several schools.