Big Monday in Wichita, KS

Two huge commitments came from the heart of Kansas on Monday. Top-flight linebacker prospect from Wichita East Arthur Brown and athlete/quarterback Chris Harper from Wichita Northwest both committed Monday. Harper is headed to the Little Apple and Kansas St while Brown is headed to South Beach and the Miami Hurricanes.

I will start with Harper. Chris Harper is a very fluid smooth athlete who palys quarterback for his high school squad. He will not be a quarterback in college. He is the definition of 'athlete.' He has so many possibilities. He could bulk up and play tight end or H-back. He could stay where he is at size and play wideout. He might even be able to play safety or weakside linebacker. I do not see him on defense though.

He is a gifted, pure athlete with the ball in his hands. He would be very raw at wide receiver but will be best suited in that position. He is just too athletic to move to tight end. He would be solid after the catch as he is comfortable running with the ball. Kansas St got a great prospect. KSU just needs to figure out where to play him.

The big fish of the day is easily Arthur Brown though. I have been calling for Brown to go to a big city all along, USC or Miami. Turns out he is an East coast kind of guy. He also is added to probably the best linebacking class in the nation. And that is even with the decommitment of Lerentee McCray, which makes a lot more sense obviously.

Brown flies to the football and he lets you know that he has arrived. He is an absolute rock when he shuffles 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.

He may be able to play inside at Miami but with the talent Randy Shannon has coming in, Brown should be put at weakside backer. This would allow him to fly around and make plays.

Photo by Larry W. Smith/The New York Times