The state of GA has long been known for producing big-time athletes and has had its fair share of standout safeties, as well. Desmond Brown (Model, GA) is ready to take his place as the next elite defender and Scout was able to sit down with him for a brief Q+A.
BH:How has the recruiting process been going overall?
DB: "Pretty exciting and a bit overwhelming. I just have to stay focused because it can get out of hand pretty quick."
BH: It is an honor to get an SEC offer (informal or not) before your junior year. Talk about your offer from Arkansas and what it means to you.
DB: "An SEC offer has always been my dream and for Arkansas to show that they think that highly of me is outstanding."
BH: You recently competed at the Under Armour / Scout.Com Combine in Atlanta. What was that like and what did you come away with?
DB: "The competition was excellent. There were guys from all over showcasing their talent," Brown said. "I walked away knowing that I have things I need to work on and that it won't be easy to get where I want to be, but I also found out that I can compete at a high level."
BH: The spring evaluation period is pretty much over for this year. You know where you stand and what you need to work on. You have grown as a player and a young man and you know that there is a lot more out there. As a result, has your Top Seven changed?
DB: "Not really, because I want to feel wanted by the school I choose. The schools that have shown interest in me early won't get pushed to the side just because I start hearing from a bunch of other schools," Brown continued. "But no matter where I go, education is going to be my top priority and football will be a close second."
My goal is to be the best student-athlete that I can be."
BH: So what does your Top Seven look like today and why?
DB: "My Top Seven has changed a bit and I would have to say...
Arkansas--they were the first to offer and they play in the SEC. McFadden is one of my idols and maybe I can take his place as the fan favorite"
Georgia--Head Coach Mark Richt is a great guy and I have loved Georgia since I was knee-high.
Alabama--Nick Saban is a guy I would like to play for and the program is outstanding.
LSU--They won the championship last year and they produce a lot of NFL players.
Appalachian State--Three-time national champions and they use their athletes well. They put guys in position to contribute and to be successful.
Auburn--I like their program and I have ties to Tray Blackmon. I used to watch Ronnie Brown when he played in high school.
Kentucky--I like their style of play and they are getting to the point where they are competitive each and every week. They also sign a lot of players from the state of Georgia and they do a good job of developing them."
Desmond Brown has all the physical tools to be successful. His skill set and his upside have put him in position to make a name for himself and he appears poised to take advantage of the opportunity.
When talking to him, one notices that he is also pretty level-headed and eager to learn.
It is precisely this combination that has Brown ready to make his move.
Burke Hayes is the Southeastern Regional Manager for Football Recruiting at Scout.