Virginias Top Player Has Clear Leader

The best cornerback in Virginia hands down is Phillip Brown of Hampton (Va.) Phoebus. He possesses that rare combination of size, speed, and instincts that are vital in the making of a great corner. Brown has a clear leader, and three other schools are just behind.

“My top school right now is Virginia Tech,” the 5-foot-11, 185-pound cornerback said. “Tech was the first school to offer me so I’ve had a lot of time to get to know them. I love the attitude surrounding the football program. They want to win, but they also really care about their players succeeding on the field and in life.”

Tech has been Brown’s leader for a while now, but now he’s able to narrow his list down to about four schools he’s looking at really hard.

“I would have to say my other four favorites are NC State, Virginia, and Clemson. I met the defensive backs coach at NC State and I like the intensity he carries and the commitment to winning they have there. I’ve met coach Groh at Virginia, and I really like that he’s bringing in so many great players. It’s only two and a half hours from my house, and I know lots of players that have gone there. And I like Clemson because I really clicked with the defensive backs coach. He was telling me about the schemes they use, and I like that they play bump and run. NFL coaches want to see that.”

Brown has offers from schools like Tennessee, Michigan State, his top four, and others from the Big East, ACC, SEC and Big Ten. He runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 seconds and is considered lightning-quick on the field. He has good technique, and is one of the more natural corners in the nation.

“I didn’t go to any camps this summer. We have a lot of new guys moving up to varsity this year, and I wanted to stick around and help them get used to the way we play so we can have a good year. We’re expecting a lot of new guys to contribute a lot, and they’re going to be important.”

Brown plans to take official visits to his favorite schools after the season is over, and then he believes he’ll be able to decide on a college.