VALDOSTA, Ga. — Michigan just signed Michael Barrett out of Lowndes High School as part of their 2018 class and the Wolverines are now targeting another Viking in the 2020 class.
Josh Brown is a 5-foot-11, 165 pound cornerback who locked his side of the field down last season as a sophomore and he was recently offered by Michigan. He had not heard from Michigan, he found out just a few hours before the offer was extended that the Wolverine staff knew about him, and he was shocked when he picked up his first offer.
IN HIS OWN WORDS: "The offer from Michigan was definitely a surprise," said Brown. "I had a little clue that it may be coming, but not on the day that it happened. My coach told me that coach [Chris] Partridge had watched my film and that he liked me. Later that day is when I got the offer, so I did not see it coming that fast.
"When I talked to coach Partridge on the phone, we talked about my film, my time in the 40 yard dash, my grades and things like that, then we talked some football and he offered me. It was towards the end of the conversation when he offered me.
"I couldn't believe when I got that offer. I have dreamed of being on TV playing football at a Division 1 program. It is a unbelievable feeling and at that moment, I just couldn't believe it happened.
"I have watched Michigan on TV, especially when they play Ohio State and against good teams like that. I know some about coach Jim Harbaugh because he has coached the NFL and he has done some good things. I have read about him and the school too, so I know Michigan has a good program.
"Michael signed with Michigan, so he has filled me in on what he likes about them. He told me it feels like home there and that it could be a good fit for me. He talked to me about the football program and just how things are up there. It will be good to talk to him more about it once he gets up there.
"I know Michigan is a school I want to check out and it means a lot to me that they are first to offer me. I definitely want to get up there for a visit. It would be great to play with Michael again too, so Michigan is definitely high on my list now."
RIVALS REACTION: Brown was shocked when Michigan offered him, but should he be? Michigan and coach Partridge have really made it know that they are going to recruit the state of Georgia hard. They are not scared to offer early and Brown really appealed to them on tape. The Wolverines definitely have his attention. Brown grew up a Florida State fan and he would love to hear from the Seminoles. His recruitment is in the infant stage, so there is not a lot going on right now, but expect that to change in the coming months as Brown gets out to camps and is seen during the spring evaluation period.
