In the spring at a combine in Orlando, Mac Brown was timed at a 4.3 (40 yards), and the St. Petersburg Gibbs standout defensive back jumped onto the radar screen - in a hurry!
Throughout the spring and into the summer, the 6-0, 160-pounder, who attended a number of 7-on-7 events after his junior year began to get plenty of recognition. On Wednesday, Brown became the latest player to give his commitment to Florida International University.
"Having been around the Gibbs program much of the past two years, I watched and appreciated what Mac has become," said Corey Long of Friday Night Football Magazine Florida. "He is quick, athletic and has been one of the players the coaches – last year – and so far this season have been talking up plenty."
Rated as the No. 3 senior defensive back in the region by the St. Petersburg Times, Brown was also offered by Indiana and Mississippi.
At the end of August, Brown was rumored to have Ole Miss in the lead, but the Golden Panthers, who have recruited the Pinellas/Hillsborough area extremely well, have been keeping in touch with his quality player.
While he made his commitment, Brown will also keep his options open, but staying close to home is a huge factor.
"FIU is making its way around the state," said Rich Barimo of Friday Night Football Magazine Florida. "Ocala, the Tampa/St. Petersburg area, Orlando and even in the Panhandle. That's the way you continue to build."
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This is a great pickup. Gaitor is great leader on defense and will teach these guys what it takes to be a great CB!!!
Posted by: FIUJM | September 17, 2009 at 03:18 PM
GO Panthers. Welcome to the Fam!
Posted by: FIUFloridaPower&Light | September 17, 2009 at 04:20 PM
As a Cane fan I am impressed with FIU's plan. Both Miami teams are on the rise and it will not be long before both are playing in big bowl games. I love the fact that fIU has a on-campus stadium. I wish UM would consider building one on the Tropical Park stadium grounds. Good luck FIU! Not all Cane fans root against you.
Posted by: Nelson Boronat | September 18, 2009 at 08:55 AM
It's fans like you, Nelson, that give me hope that one day both schools can have a civil rivalry... I wish more fans were like yourself and I hope that one day both schools will come together and start a rivalry where the community would be the real winner!
Posted by: Joel | September 18, 2009 at 07:03 PM