Thursday, December 6, 2007

And Then There Were Five


High School All-American linebacker Arthur Brown has sent Kansas State to the chopping block.

The Wichita East star has eliminated Ron Prince and the Wildcats from contention. This leaves these five fan bases still teetering on the edge of their seats: LSU, USC, North Carolina, Miami and Florida.

Rivals: #24 overall, #2 inside LB
Scout: #11 overall, #1 strongside LB
ESPN: #6 overall, #1 outside LB

So, clearly even the experts cannot decide where 6-1, 214 pound prospect will end up. His long-term NFL ability is that of an outside linebacker, most likely at the weak side. He has great speed and in that league, the weak side backer is the guy making all the plays down the line-of-scrimmage.

However, in college he can play inside. He flies to the football and he lets you know that he has arrived. He is an absolute rock when he flies through traffic. His explosiveness is his most appealing attribute. Brown's short range burst is incredible and not just straight ahead but laterally as well.

Once he decides to go he explodes but his reads, can at times, be slow and incorrect. He can take himself out of the play because he is SO explosive. These issues, and a needed improvement in technique, can be improved through solid coaching.

Photo by Larry W. Smith/The New York Times

2 comments:

Matt said...

I don't honestly think UF has a chance. I'd love to have him, but being honest, it's USC and everyone else.

Braden Gall said...

AB wants to be in a big city. I think its USC and Miami.