Brown recaps his USF official visit

Miami (Fla.) Norland four-star linebacker Keith Brown, a Miami commitment, took his third official visit this past weekend, traveling in-state to visit the University of South Florida.

"It was a real good time," Brown said. "It is close to home. I like it. I enjoyed myself up there this weekend."

Upon arriving on campus, Brown was shown a great deal of attention by Skip Holtz and his staff. The Rivals250 prospect said their message was to the point.

"They told me that I would have a great chance to come in and play as a freshman," Brown said. "They told me I can make a big impact on their defense."

After watching the Bulls stumble against Cincinnati on the field at Raymond James Stadium, Brown said that the coaching staff's message was proven true.

"I felt they played a good game but I definitely felt they were true to their word, that they were hurting on the inside and that they need help on the inside," Brown said. "They had to move (Sam) Barrington to inside backer when he should be playing strong. So they are telling me the truth."

Away from the game, Brown had an opportunity to spend time with two current Bulls that hail from his neck of the woods.

"I hung out with Sterling (Griffin) and Kino (Elkino Watson)," Brown said. "Sterling is like a big brother to me. I was just cooling it with those guys. It was good to be around them and to be able to ask them about what it is like there."

In addition to spending time with the coaches and players, the 6-foot-2, 230-pound inside linebacker also got to learn about the academics offered by South Florida.

"When we sat down and talked to them about the education, we liked what they told us," Brown said. "The education part of it seems to be real good."

The 'we' that Brown is referring to is his family that accompanied him on the visit. He was joined by his mother, stepfather, brother, and sister. He said they all came away impressed with their time in Tampa.

"My mom also has known a couple of people that went there and got a great education, so she likes that about them," Brown said. "They enjoyed themselves. They said they could picture me being there and I could picture myself being there. They like that it isn't far from home so they would be able to make my games, every home game I would have there."

The South Florida visit marked Brown's third official visit. He has previously taken an official visit to Clemson and Purdue. Brown's next visit will be to Illinois on Nov. 11th. As for his fifth and final official visit, he hasn't set that but said Georgia is a possible destination. He does not plan to take an official visit to Miami, the school which he has been committed to since September of last year.

"With me and Miami, I am still committed as of now but I am kind of swaying away," Brown said. "I am an early enrollee, and the thing is if I go there and they have no sanctions but then by the time I start playing in the spring or after and they get sanctions, then I will be in a messed up predicament. I don't want to be caught up in that kind of situation."

According to Brown, Clemson is still in second behind Miami. South Florida occupies the third spot following his official visit.