Big East offer comes for Carolina LB

Offer No. 1 has come for one North Carolina linebacker. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder picked up a scholarship just over a week ago from the Big East.

"I got my offer a week and a half ago from Syracuse," Charlotte (N.C.) Christian linebacker Kelby Brown said. "I haven't visited yet, but I'm going up for their spring game in a month or so. That's a pretty big first offer.

"My dad played at Northwestern, but his first game was at Syracuse and they threw oranges at him. I know they have crazy fans and I like that a lot."

More schools are interested in Brown as well.

"I went up to Duke a couple weeks ago and that's been my favorite place so far," he stated. "The coaches are awesome. Coach Cutcliffe is really cool. All their football facilities are brand new and the atmosphere is awesome.

"I've been to Maryland as well and am getting letters from NC State, North Carolina, Cincinnati and Wake Forest too."

Does Brown like anyone?

"I'm a big-time Ohio State fan," he said. "My dad went to grad school there and I've been watching them play for a couple years. My dad grew up in Ohio. I have heard I am on their board and my dad knows their recruiting coordinator."

With interest rising, the Carolina prospect touched on what he wants in a school?

"First off, football is really important to me, I want to play Division I," he said. "I also want to play in two years. I know that is going to be tough, but I think I can do it. I want good academics. I'm looking at pre-med since I'm trying to be an orthopedic surgeon. Duke or Vanderbilt would be good for that. I would also like to be close to home."

Brown is coming off a solid junior season in which he earned all-conference and second team all-county.

"I had 86 tackles, four forced fumbles, three recoveries, one interception and two sacks," he said. "I had a pretty good season. I led the team in tackles.

"I'd probably say I'm one of the smartest kids on the field. I know what's going on and have a feel for defense. I hit pretty hard and I show no mercy."