Clemson adds standout safety prospect

Centre (Ala.) Cherokee County athlete Desmond Brown has seen his stock on a steady climb this offseason. His camp tour has resulted in several offseason offers and on Thursday, Brown added one more when Clemson offered. It didn't take long for the 6-foot, 192-pounder to consider the new option. As soon as the offer hit the table, Brown committed to Coach Dabo Swinney.

"I'm a Tiger!" Brown said emphatically. "We came down today. We're leaving right now. I just left Coach Swinney's office about 20 minutes ago."

Brown didn't come in expecting to commit to the Tigers but his meetings with the coaching staff and his time on campus quickly convinced him that it was time. Previously, Brown had visited the Clemson campus but had not had the opportunity to meet with the head coach. His first meeting with Coach Swinney told him everything he needed to know.

"We talked for about 30 or 40 minutes about Clemson," he said. "They love family. They're all about family. They want you to be happy. I love Coach Swinney. He is a world class guy. I love everything about him. I wouldn't want to play for another coach. He's a big part of [my decision]."

While Brown wasn't expecting to make a decision so quickly, neither was the Clemson coaching staff. His decision to commit was a pleasant surprise.

"Coach Swinney after it was all over said 'I'm putting the ball in your court you've got a full scholarship'," said the safety prospect. "Their saying is 'all in' and I said 'coach I'm all in.' He put his hand out and shook it and we hugged each other for a long time. I about cried in there."

Brown expects to play safety for the Clemson program but in high school he plays all over the field. This fall, Brown will be lining up at running back, cornerback and wide receiver along with returning kicks. His size and coverage ability make him an ideal safety prospect but he loves the extra time on the field in high school.

"Oh man, you don't know how happy I am to be able to play all those roles," he said. "A lot of guys on the football team say they hate going both ways but I love it. I feel myself as an athlete playing safety so me getting to contribute to my team as much as possible is all I can ask for."

Last year, Brown helped lead his team to the state championship game and hopes to build on that success this season. With a commitment out of the way, Brown is anxious to zero in on the high schools season.

"It feels great," he said. "All the frustrating conversations with other guys and coaches reading about this and coaches reading about that, it feels great that it's over…They just made my day. They offered me and I took it. I'm not waiting. This is where I want to be."