Planning more trips

Long Beach (Miss.) 2012 linebacker prospect Richie Brown has taken his share of trips thus far in the summer period. But his traveling days and opportunities to check out more college campuses is nowhere nearing an end.

"We are trying to make some plans as far as another road trip," said the 6-foot-2, 225-pound Brown. "After Mississippi State's camp, I went to Southern Miss for a one-day camp and that was pretty much it. But we are probably headed to see Miami and Nebraska soon.

"Then I am going back to Mississippi State for the Big Dawg Camp and probably go to Ole Miss, too, and possibly go see LSU, Auburn and Alabama."

With each passing trip, Brown said it helps to provide a clearer picture on the recruiting scene.

"Every time I go somewhere I am able to get a better feel what each school is about and it gives me more clarity," said Brown. "I am starting to understand things with each school and I am getting to know which schools are best for me. So I should be able to narrow things down by the end of the summer or early in the season."

Although Brown has made plays on both sides of the ball at linebacker and running back, he said schools are recruiting him as an outside linebacker for the next level. And those schools that have offered Brown include MSU, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, Stanford, Kentucky, Memphis and Arkansas State.

"Most likely everyone wants me as an outside linebacker," said Brown. "Mainly because of my speed and they will want me to play in some coverages, too."

During his many stops and recruiting conversations, Brown said he has been impressed with all of the linebacker coaches recruiting him. He said he also feels fortunate to get his camp opportunities to improve his game entering his senior year.

"All of the linebacker coaches I talk to definitely sound like they know what they are doing," said Brown. "The ones I talk to the most are Mississippi State coach Geoff Collins, Ole Miss coach Tyrone Nix, Memphis coach Jay Hopson, Southern Miss coach David Duggan and the coaches from Stanford. Those coaches have made a great effort to stay in contact with me the most.

"And at these camps, I've gotten in a lot of work and a lot of hip movement work to help to turn my hips in coverage. I have worked on that a lot this summer."

As far as his eventual college decision, Brown noted he still doesn't have a leader but does have some factors in mind that will decide that choice.

"I am just trying to get a feel for a school and get that right feeling when I step on campus," said Brown. "It is good to know these coaches and see how these relationships grow and see how they coach and see who wants the best for you. Then you put those feelings together and try to make the best decision."