New program producing standout DT

At Richmond (Texas) Travis High School, varsity football is a new occurrence. The fledgling school is in its first year of a varsity program. However at 6-2, and a second place district finish, Travis is heading to the playoffs on Friday. One of the big reasons for its success is senior defensive tackle Zane Brown.

"I think I've done really good in my first and only varsity season," Brown said. "I had 40-plus tackles. I had like nine sacks. We had some good expectations heading into the season. We knew we were going to have a good run and make the playoffs."

Last season, Brown and his teammates played a junior varsity schedule so his senior season is the first year he is able to get out varsity film. However, an active approach by Brown has sparked some serious interest.

"It's definitely a lot harder (without junior film)," he said. "Some schools, I just called the defensive line coaches and started talking to them and they just said get some film and keep in touch and I have. I'm getting some interest from Oklahoma State, Texas A&M and New Mexico is talking to me."

Brown recently sent film out to several programs. He also has had a chance to get on at least one campus for an unofficial visit and hopes more visits will follow.

"I took an unofficial visit to Texas A&M when they played Miami," he said. "It was great. I liked it up there. It was fun. I'm just hoping some of these schools will try to get me on an official visit to their campus and stuff. Other than that I'm just focusing on the playoffs."

Brown also knows what he is looking for in a program.

"I'm looking for a school with a good team and somewhere that Ai can fit in and be welcomed as a student and an athlete," he said. "Somewhere I can make an impact early either my freshman year or my sophomore year."