It's all about speed, both on and off the football field, for Under Armour All-American athlete
Corey Brown (Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O'Hara).
The 6-foot, 171-pound receiver/running back prospect, who one college recruiter described as "absolutely electric," recently added success on the track to his list of accomplishments. During his first season competing in the sport, he finished fourth in Pennsylvania in the 100-meter dash (10.92 seconds in the state meet) and third in the 200 (21.69).
The week before the state meet, Brown won the 100 at the District 12 championship with a time of 10.54 and ran away with the 200 with a 21.69. That, plus his 4x100 relay team finishing first, led Cardinal O'Hara to the district title.
"I liked running track a lot this year because it helped me gain football speed," Brown said. "That was one of the main reasons I did it. At first, I wasn't too sure about running track, but I could see myself getting faster."
His speed, playmaking skills and versatility earned Brown Under Armour All-American status.
"It's an honor to be selected," Brown said. "This game has all of the top players. ESPN being there lets you know that all of the top players will be there. I can't wait to get down there and test myself."
Many of the nation's top programs are chasing after Brown. Currently, the defending national champion Florida Gators are recruiting him the hardest, selling him on a role in their offense similar to the one played by Percy Harvin, who left Gainesville early and was a first-round pick by the NFL's Minnesota Vikings. But then, it's not surprising the Gators want Brown badly. Head coach Urban Meyer said shortly after he arrived in Gainesville that he wanted to have the "fastest team in college football." Watching Florida play last season, few would argue that the Gators are at least close to reaching that goal. Also, given his versatility, a Harvin-type role seems ideal for Brown.
"This kid is a tweener who lacks ideal size, but more than makes up for it with speed and quickness," said Tom Luginbill, ESPN Scouts Inc.'s national recruiting director. "Even though he lines up in the backfield at running back, we don't feel like that's his true home. We feel he is a slot receiver, with return specialist upside."
The Gators, along with Alabama, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, West Virginia, Ohio State, Miami (Fla.), Florida State and Clemson are his top 10. Brown has not scheduled a lot of visits, but plans to be in Gainesville for the Gators' "Friday Night Lights" Camp in July.
As good as he is on the field, Brown is smart enough to know his limitations. He's realistic about his future and plays to his strengths.
"I am a player who knows he can make plays in space doing different things," Brown said. "I know I am not an every-down back in college. I am going to make plays using my speed at slot receiver and other spots."
