Tigers, Dawgs lead for four-star OL

Four-star Atlanta (Ga.) Westlake offensive lineman Michael Brown is the type of player many schools would like to build their offensive line around in the Class of 2004.

As expected, Brown (6-5, 270, 4.9) has been swamped with phone calls recently from coaches hoping to land a visit from the Peach State star.

“I’ve had so many, I can’t remember them all,” he said. “There’s been more than 20. LSU, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisville, Michigan, Florida, Auburn, Virginia are a few of them I know.

“I talked to the head coaches from LSU, Georgia, Virginia and Florida.”

Any leaders emerging at this point?

“LSU and Georgia, mainly,” he said. “But I’m looking at Kentucky, Louisville and Michigan, too. That would be my top five.”

Asked what appealed to him about those schools, Brown said: “With LSU and Georgia, it’s the coaching staff and the tradition. I like the atmosphere at those schools. I was at Georgia’s game against South Carolina this weekend. It was hype. The fans were crazy. I love that kind of atmosphere at a game. I haven’t been to Michigan, but I’ve heard it’s the same way there.

“With Kentucky and Louisville, I see a chance to get on the field early and help their programs out in a big way. They’re both close to being real good. Their coaches tell me they just need a few more players like me.”

Brown said he doesn’t have a timetable for making a decision. He’d like to take some more unofficial visits this fall, but hasn’t determined when or where they will come.

“It all depends on my coaches,” he said. “Some of us just go with them when they can take us to a game.”

Brown and fellow O-Line prospect Courtney Abbott have helped lead Westlake to a 3-0 record thus far this season.

Academically, he maintains a 2.7 GPA and has scored an 810 on the SAT. He’ll take the test again in October.