Keith Brown Verbals To Illinois

The Miami Hurricanes lost their second verbal commitment this season when Miami Norland, All-American linebacker Keith Brown dropped the Canes and committed to … Illinois.

Many had Brown pegged to go to Clemson, which seemed to be the leader throughout the season. Weeks back South Florida fans were ready explode when the above picture surfaced, showing Brown’s father wearing a USF sweatshirt on an official recruiting visit. Some overzealous Bulls started building their case that if mom and dad were on board, it was all but a done deal.

Brown’s situation proved unique, yet typical, as the local product is a lifelong Hurricane who personally wanted to head to Coral Gables, but with potential NCAA sanctions looming, the parental units put their collective foot down and asked son to please look elsewhere.

Some are saying “package deal” regarding Brown to the Fighting Illini, as teammate and fellow linebacker Lamar Atkins is headed north, as well.

The 6-foot-1, 225-pound Brown is a four-star prospect and would’ve been a huge addition to a UM linebacking corps that needs a serious boost. The loss is disappointing, but is understandable as you can’t fault parents for making a judgment call. The Browns don’t want to take the risk or play the “what if” game, so they’ve steered their son elsewhere. Respect.

Miami now has twenty-five verbal commitments on board for Signing Day in February as the Canes added Miramar wide receiver Malcolm Lewis to the 2012 class earlier today. Lewis is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound, four-star wideout who chose Miami over Florida State, Alabama, LSU and West Virginia.

Lewis is a life-long Canes fan and cites seeing freshman Phillip Dorsett getting early playing time this season as a reason he was ready to make the plunge now. Lewis marks the sixth wideout on board for 2012 and the Canes now have four linebackers on deck for February after Brown’s decommitment.

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