Five-star DT trims list, announces decision date
At the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge Presented by Under Armour at Soldier Field in Chicago earlier this month Andrew Brown, the nation's top-rated defensive tackle, revealed that he had made a short list of schools that would get official visits and that he would not be announcing his decision until he made those visits.
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The five-star product of Chesapeake (Va.) Oscar Smith has changed his mind and announced an official top five and set a decision date.
"The process is getting really stressful and I just want to get ready for my senior season," said the 6-foot-3, 298-pound Brown.
"I already know where I want to go next year and I just want to enjoy my senior year without having to worry about all the pressure and stress of the recruiting process.
"I came out with this top five so that my top schools could have a chance to make their last pitch before I announce my decision on Saturday, June 29 at my house. To all the other schools that were recruiting me, I would just like to say thank you for the opportunity."
Brown gave a brief explanation as to why each school remains in contention.
Alabama: "Alabama is the top football program in the nation," he said. "They have the best head coach in the nation in Nick Saban and it would be very hard for anyone to turn that offer down. They are also constantly putting guys into the NFL."
Clemson: "Clemson made my top five because I love the atmosphere. When I went down there I saw that the campus was really nice, compact and their education system is set up very well for their players.
Florida State: "Coach Sal, Coach Odell and all of the coaches that I've been in touch down there are really cool guys and good individuals. I could really see myself going there. I also really like the head coach and it's a great area to be in."
Virginia: "I feel like I can really trust Mike London and his decision making," Brown said. "I think that that if all of the top recruits in Virginia and the 757 went there, we could turn that program around."
Virginia Tech: "Virginia Tech is one of the top programs in the ACC and it's an instate school," he said. "The head coach, Frank Beamer, in my opinion, is one of the best head coaches as well. They have one of the best defensive coordinators in Bud Foster. I think the defensive line coach would get me prepared for the next level and they are looking for guys that are my size."
With this early decision, it is now doubtful that Brown will take those previously announced official visits.
"I'm just ready to end the process," he said. "I don't really have time to be getting stressed out, especially when I know in my heart where I want to go."
Brown took a moment to address the rumors that have been flying around that he is being pushed to a certain school.
"Everybody talks about how I'm being influenced by people around here to go to Virginia. I'm really getting tired of that," Brown said emphatically. "It's my decision, it's my life and I'm going where I where I want to go because I feel comfortable there."
Ohio State, Florida, Virginia Tech, Clemson and Florida State were previously named the five schools Brown would officially visit. North Carolina was also being considered.
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