New England DT expecting second offer

Lineman Garrett Brown out of Fairfield (Conn.) Fairfield Prep had a solid showing at the Elite College Combine. What did the 6-foot-2, 290-pounder think of the experience and what school is close to giving his second written offer?

"It was a good experience; it opened my eyes to the competition out there and the level of play needed for me to succeed," he said. "I think I did pretty well, there were only a couple kids that performed better than me in the agility drills and one-on-ones, I rank myself pretty high."

What did the lineman think of his play in the drills?

"I think I was one of the best on the drills, I had been practicing and training for those drills for months," he said. "I ran a 4.8-second shuttle and a 5.0-second 40-yard dash."

What about Brown's play in one-on-ones?

"That kind of came naturally, that's almost like every day practice," he said. "The level of players gets elevated and it was a great experience. It gave me a lot more exposure and cleared up whatever college coaches questioned as to my height, weight and ability. I think I proved to everyone about my playing style. I had five reps and I won them all."

Finally, what did Brown show scouts at the Elite College Combine?

"I think I showed them my determination and my foot speed is up to par," he said. "Also I think I showed that I am one of the top defensive tackles in the class of 2006. Everyone thought I was a good player, but they didn't think I was as good as I am."

Brown already has his first offer from Michigan State and is expecting an offer soon from Maryland. Does Brown have any favorites right now?

"I think that I'm really just taking all schools into consideration," he said. "I'd say I might be leaning towards Wisconsin just because the pipeline they have from Connecticut and the way they treat their players.

"I'm really interested in Michigan, Michigan State, Iowa and Virginia. Michigan State was the first school I went to and they treated me like family when I was there. The other schools I'm very interested in because all the coaches seem to be on the same page. Virginia has a great campus and very personable coaching staff. Michigan is a childhood thing; I've always liked the school not for just football, but in general. Iowa has a great connection with Connecticut and one of their coaches is from Milford which is close to where I live."

Three weeks back Brown stopped by Maryland and Penn State.

"I met the coaching staff at Maryland and I really liked the school. Maryland is justa great school all around and it has a great atmosphere and is a big-time school," he said. "I went to Penn State for the Nike Camp and met with the coaches and toured the school and I really liked it there too. Penn State's facilities are amazing."

With the evaluation period in full swing, Brown has received visits from Virginia, Iowa, Michigan State, Temple and Hofstra. He's expecting visits in the next couple weeks from Wisconsin, Michigan and Purdue. Has any school that visited stood out?

"Michigan State did because they always talk about the family they have there," he said. "They have a good atmosphere and you can't just have football or academics, it has to have both."

As for a decision on his commitment, Brown said he plans to wait until next year.

"I'll probably do it before Signing Day, but it'll definitely be next year," he said. "I definitely want to take all five visits. If there's a school I like enough I'll commit there right away, but we'll see."

Brown has already been named solo captain for next year and he is looking to help the team even more.

"I'm the first solo captain in school history and we just need to work on team morale and keep up the high level of intensity," he said. "We need to transfer it to the games and I think it's something I can accomplish. I think for me I'm looking to get as fast as I can and get consistent in the first 10 yards of the 40. I also want to work on my foot speed and hand movement."

This summer Brown is planning to take visits to Iowa and Wisconsin for camp.

Last season the defensive tackle was named all-area, all-SCC and second team all-state as he recorded 83 tackles, 35 for loss, 15 sacks and five fumble recoveries