Five-star recruit Derrick Brown won't be staying close to home to play his college ball. The run-stopping defensive tackle chose Auburn over in-state option Georgia on Wednesday.
Brown, a 6'4, 320-pound run crusher, had 42 tackles for loss while playing for Lanier (Ga.) High School as a senior. Those numbers and his massive frame made him a consensus five-star recruit, earning status in the top tier from all four major recruiting services. Where he belonged in the top 20 was a subject of debate. ESPN, 247Sports, and Scout all ranked him as the ninth-best prospect in the class of 2016. Rivals ranked him No. 17. He last saw the field on January 9th in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Brown earned plenty of attention from recruiters over the past two years. He had scholarship offers from Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Clemson, Miami, Florida, Texas, Stanford, Wisconsin, Florida State, and several others. He took five official campus visits this winter - to Mississippi State, Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, and Tennessee. His highlight reel showcases just why college coaches are so high on his talent.
You can follow Derrick Brown's transition from high school stud to SEC freshman on Twitter at @DerrickBrown90.