One of the biggest targets left on Tennessee’s board confirmed that he will be visiting Knoxville this coming weekend on what has shaped up to be likely the biggest recruiting weekend of the year for the Vols.
Last official best believe I'm gone be in Knoxville this weekend can't wait! 🔶⚪️🔶⚪️
— Derrick Brown (@DerrickBrownAU5) January 26, 2016
Derrick Brown, a five-star defensive tackle and one of the best overall players in the 2016 class, has long had Tennessee among his favorites. The Vols are battling Georgia, Auburn, Mississippi State and Alabama for his signature, which he plans to announce on National Signing Day at 3 p.m. ET.
The Vols are expected to have a star-studded list of players in town over the weekend, including several Vol commitments along with top targets such as Brown, safety Nigel Warrior, offensive lineman Landon Dickerson and others.
Here’s Brown’s full RTI recruiting profile:
Defensive Tackle – 2016 Class
6-5, 300 pounds
Buford, Ga. (Lanier)
Other top offers
Georgia, Alabama, Auburn, Texas, Florida
Status
Brown named Tennessee in his top eight schools in early spring and recently said that the Vols will be one of his five finalists, joining Mississippi State, Alabama, Georgia and Auburn, when he makes his selection on signing day. Brown has visited Knoxville multiple times and new defensive coordinator Bob Shoop has a chance to help the Vols land the five-star prospect in the end, but there will be plenty of competition all the way up until he makes his decision. Brown will visit Knoxville on Jan. 29, the final weekend of recruiting, as the Vols try to put a final push in to secure his commitment.
Ratings
247Sports: ★★★★★
ESPN.com: ★★★★
Rivals.com: ★★★★★
Scout.com: ★★★★★
RTI average: 4.75-stars
How He Fits
Simply put – Brown would be the ideal compliment to Tennessee’s current talent at defensive tackle such as Kahlil McKenzie and Shy Tuttle in the coming years. While he’s plenty big, playing in the 300-pound neighborhood in high school, Brown also has freak athleticism for his size.
He runs down skill players in space in his high school film and can even be seen recording a pick-6, showing very good speed for his 300-pound frame in the process.
Video
