After dragging this thing out as long and as selfishly as humanly possible, top-rated recruit Bryce Brown finally committed today.
After verbally committing to the Miami Hurricanes within a week of Signing Day ’08 and pledging to enroll early, Brown reneged on his word and is now inking a letter of intent a month after Signing Day ’09. Along the way he’s strung along the Oregon Ducks, LSU Tigers and Kansas State Wildcats.
The circus is finally over and Brown is headed to Tennessee to play for Lane Kiffin and the Volunteers. The Brown family wanted Miami, but it seems Randy Shannon stuck to his word and didn’t re-offer Brown a scholarship. The Canes are sticking with Mike James, who’s already turning heads in practice, and Lamar Miller, headed to The U this summer.
ESPN’s recruiting guru Tom Luginbill chimed in on the action and said the following:
“I have to applaud the University of Miami. They were not going to allow one player to manipulate or control the situation. I think they got to the point with the National Letter of Intent that they gave Bryce Brown had a life span on it and that date, I believe, was February 18th and they told him he had until the life of that Letter of Intent to sign and become a Miami Hurricane and when he chose not to do so, they withdrew their scholarship offer.
I like Miami taking the upper hand. You can’t allow a player to just take control of the situation. They found two other good running backs in their class and now Bryce Brown has gone off and feels he’s found himself in the best situation for him.”
Good riddance, Bryce. Glad to see the circus will be setting up in Knoxville instead of Coral Gables. With the two freshman running back and veterans Javarris James, Graig Cooper and Lee Chambers, safe to say the Canes are stacked at running backs – not only talent-wise, but character-wise. These kids save their game playing for the field, not with the media.
Kudos to Shannon for sticking to his word. Part of me felt that if Brown wanted in, Miami would cave. Especially with older brother Arthur Brown Jr. one year into his UM experience.
In his speech, Bryce noted that both his brother and father were pushing The U. It was even reported that B.B. was even seen wearing a Canes cap early on at today’s presser. Had a scholarship been re-offered, there’s little doubt the running back would’ve headed to Coral Gables.
This is 100% Shannon’s doing and I applaud him for keeping out the type of player he’s been trying to weed out these past few years. Shannon has oft referred to himself as a teacher or father-type figure and he just taught Bryce Brown a very valuable life lesson about commitment, keeping your word and being a man. A big part of growing up is dealing with loss or disappointment and safe to say that while Bryce will be fine at Tennessee (and hopefully running all over Florida for years to come), he will always know he missed out on something special at Miami, most notably the U Family experience and getting to suit up with big brother Arthur.
Back to spring football. Go Canes.
B. Brown to Tenn…WHAT A CHUMP!
…. I don’t think Bryce had a choice regarding Miami. If you go online and read about the presser, he was supposedly wearing a Canes cap at one point. Maybe a little wishful thinking.
If the scholarship was still on the table, it’s a safe bet that Brown is headed to Miami. Both his father and brother wanted him to play for the Canes and in the end, that would’ve been the deal maker.
For months Oregon was supposedly his #2 and he kept stressing his commitment to Miami. Then today he jumps on at Tennessee, which was a third or fourth choice. Seems like Miami was top dog, but they pulled out of the sweepstakes… Oregon was too far away (and runs a spread offense)… so he trekked to Tennessee this past weekend and pulled the trigger today.
Again, good riddance. Glad the circus is over. Hoping that over time Lamar Miller and Mike James step up and have people saying, “Bryce who?”
Whatever shred of sympathy anyone might have had for BB was dashed when he pulled that UM cap, acted like he was going to put it on, and handed it off.
Just like he jerked UM around for an entire year, he couldn’t resist jerking one last time.
Good riddance.
Silver lining for me is, at least he will play against the Gaytors.
I feel much better now about the whole situation knowing WE had control, not him. I no longer hold much bitterness towards him. He has A LOT to prove now. I wish him the best and hope he runs all over UF years to come. We are perfectly ready to go with Mike and Lamar. Hopefully we’ll reel in Clements and Gore next year.
I couldn’t think of a better fit. His new head coach (the gas man) seems to like to rock the boat too.
Over time 305…, how about in 5-7 months Mike James (and Lamar Miller) will in fact step up. He’s just a great kid. Ready to do anything for TEAM. I talk like I know him. I obviously don’t. But what I see is passion in his eyes and the way he performed on the field (100% every play, punishing would be tacklers). Basically the anti “I am Bryce Brown and these are the rest of the Hurricanes.”
I applaud Shannon as well. As this helps with recruiting 2010 and beyond. Any 15-17 year old thinking of pulling this stunt will know do not do so with UM. You commit because you want to be here period.
Can’t wait for the Spring Game on the 28th. 3,000-5,000 fans last Thursday, let’s try to double that attendance for next Saturday.
GO Canes…, feeling better that a 2-2 start is very likely and acceptable. Considering the remainder of the schedule is less challenging (on paper).
here is the deal…what is the U about…working hard and competition…bryce brown wants neither..it is obvious..i remember watching some video footage of bryce brown being interviewed at a lamar miller football game..and all he could say was wow and that lamar miller was a great back…i think this kansas puss bag..got shook when he say the athletes and talent in south florida…i just hate it that he drug just a great school along for as long as he did…but you see the character or randy shannon he is not having punk ass kids in his program…ex: bryce brown, robert marve….he wants young adults who want to work hard together and become men…we are on our way back…i still stay it will take another three years..but it is coming…i am so happy that shannon did this and put his foot down…this will sound crazy but i would rather have great seasons and no national tilte with our guys who are commited and give 110% than win one with some punk ass bryce brown…all i heard in that speech today…was me and i…this kid is saying he wants to go to a program that will prepare him for the next level…wait a minute bryce..you need to compete at the college level first you moron…you have not even carried the ball one time…earned one first down…miami is cleaning up their act…while people like fsu cheating…and tenn and florida acting like idiots…the last thing we needed was some punk ass kid taking us back to the late 90’s…glad we got his brother…he seems to have his head on right…hey bryce…here is the deal…here are your names…james, cooper, chambers, james, miller…you got scared…got SCARED …would have sat our bench…and you know it…Hey bryce you a bitch…have fun in tenn…you dont compete…you take the easy road…like football in kansas is…easy…hope miami gets you in a bowl game…they will rattle that peanut you have for a brain..you wont like it i promise…you might stop playing…punk ass…you should have went wherever marve is going..you guys could have been bitches together
va cane
Im very glad RS stuck to his word..He did it last year with RM and we are better off for it..IMO I dont think there was any going back with RS..when he decided to pull it that was the final decision..James and Miller are what we need(team 1st players)very talented and WANT to be CANES..being a part of building the U back to where we belong
I didn’t like the kid from jump street. His me-first mentality is something no team needs. And also, I garuntee you Kiffin and the Vols had a little extra for his “handler” and Shannon wanted no part of it.
So as for Bryce and the Vols, I am looking forward to the NCAA probation(s) in years to come!
P.S. Lane Kiffin and Bryce Brown are like a match made in heaven. Both love the spotlight and are willing to put on a good show for attention.
GO CANES!!!
BB and Kiffin. Perfect combination of SEC chum.
Over time 305…, how about in 5-7 months Mike James (and Lamar Miller) will in fact step up
J’can, I get your point. I was referring to the overall body of work when we look back around 2011-2012.
When ESPN or some other site breaks down the 2009 class, I hope that either Miller and/or James are head and shoulders above Brown… or at worst case, comparable.
James is having a great spring and we’ll see what happens with Miller when he’s on campus. Also curious to see how Brown’s transition to college goes. Is he a primadonna with a sense of entitlement, or does he buckle down and become the next Adrian Peterson — as the most-touted high school back since AD?
I don’t wish ill will on Bryce Brown. He’s a kid and he acted accordingly. This is the time of his life for dumb mistakes, so get them out of the way before it really matters. I wish him the best…. though I wish James and Miller better.
….. and yes Jose, BB and Kiffin look like a perfect combo base on recent actions by both. Agreed.
I’m just glad it’s over one way or the other. I think we need some sort of early signing period so that the kids who know where they want to go can sign and get it over with, and then program can focus their efforts on other players and not have to babysit the verbals against other teams who don’t take no for an answer. As for the players, if you aren’t sure then don’t “commit” in the first place. As for this saga, I think the right thing happened – he went somewhere else. Miami is building a foundation right now, and if Brown is truly a problem, then we can’t afford to deal with him at this stage. I don’t think the Vols can either, but that’s their choice. Maybe he’ll grow once he hits Knoxville and can get away from his “handler” to make his own decisions. Now we can finally put this behind us and focus on The U. I wish him luck and I hope he finds what he’s looking for, but I wish Miami more. “It’s all about The U, not you.”
Columbus Cane
You know,,,, his brother found himself as the same type of big fish from a little pond when he came here and look at the reality. His skillz were lacking in comparison to those who faced tougher opposition and competition from Florida high schoolers.
See Spence,,, Samuel.
My thought here is,,, prolly be the same result will happen with Boy King. Seriously,,, who is he playing against in high school compared to what we are used to seeing down here on a weekly basis?
Been reading local info on another alleged boy king, in Robert Marve,,,, seems he views himself in much the same regard nationally. I have always admitted my bias towards Marve, regardless the questions of Canes loyalty from the “great” state of Ohio (world’s finest oxymoron, by the way) I now can see that Marve has many of the same “qualities” that young Douchnozzle Bryce does as far as his self-centered opinions of himself. Marve claims no less than 6 options for football at an alternative site. Whatever dude,,,,, see you at South Florida.
I have no interest in seeing boy king kick Florida’s ass annually,,,, I think he will never make it that far. I would surmise that given Kiffin’s posturing among SEC coaches of late, that they AND THE NCAA, will have no problem examining every aspect of this particular $$$$$$cholar$$$$$$hip.
“what kind of rims you want on that Escalade, Brycie, baby????”
http://www.mkrob.com/high-school-star-rb-bryce-brown-signs-with-tennessee/
Coop,Chambers,James,Miller… enough said.. Thats why BB stayed his ass up there.. Make no mistake about it THE U IS STACKED AT RB and with Tommy,AJ,Byrd catching the ball the way they are and Harris at the helm…THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT AT THE U… RS is the man.
GO CANES!!!
I love what this also says about Whipple. I don't think RS would've made the ultimatum & stuck to it if this specific OC would've made a fuss. Nix, yea, Shannon would've invited him to stick it & played the same hand. The cred Whipple has seems to have made this incredulous process seamless, straightforward & professional from oUr standpoint.
I live in Knoxville, so the UT Brown talk is quite thick. The ones not gasping from "ole Lane" & his brash approach, are cautiously optimistic about this "if Fulmer were still here…" formerly unthinkable marriage. I don't sing Rocky Top but for one game a year (yes, that UnFortunate one), but I can't help but feel for some passionate, hopeful fans who got jerked around by a coach riding his former success… can't say why….
While "good riddance" is an acceptable thought, don't wax vindicated & bash the kid. He's been tooled & cajoled & he's hopefully just going to play football. Wisdom prevailed. Well spoken, 305. Go Canes~
hubris is unbecoming in men, much less in boys.
there should be no tears over young master brown.
i freeking loooooove this blog BRO!!! keep up the great work.
WE ARE THE U!
I know we’ve all moved on from this, but I thought this was a funny quip, 305.
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/An-Open-Letter-to-Bryce-Brown-from-Robert-Marve;_ylt=Ajwphh12lRLZhRijmXPPq_AcvrYF?urn=ncaaf,148586