Brown not at Georgia just because of his grandmother
Wide receiver Rantavious Wooten is actually in the center of this sea of blue-clad reporters on Thursday, the first day Georgia freshmen were available for interviews. (Nifty photo from my I-Phone)
Thursday was the first day Georgia’s true freshmen (those that play offense anyway) were available for interviews and that always makes for an interesting scene. The freshmen, who generally are already overwhelmed with everything they’re having to absorb, are bombarded with all sorts of questions from reporters that have been chomping at the bit to ask them.
I was one of those reporters and one of the first guys I wanted to talk to was Marlon Brown. The highly-touted wide receiver out of Memphis overcame an enormous amount of pressure from the locals to sign with Tennessee only to sign with the Bulldogs, who were famously favored by his grandmother. It was on national signing day that Vols coach Lane Kiffin offered his now infamous explanation why the Vols were unable to land the state’s top receiver.
“Basically every kid that we offered in this state we signed, except for Marlon,” UT’s first-year coach told the Knoxville News-Sentinel. “Marlon called [the night before signing day] and said that he loved it here, but his grandmother wouldn’t let him come. I don’t know what you do about that.”
Kiffin’s remarks didn’t go over well outside Big Orange Country.
So I had to ask Brown, playfully mind you, did Georgia recruit him or his grandmother?
Marlon Brown tells it like it is.
“They didn’t recruit her,” said Brown, surrounded by reporters after this third practice with the Bulldogs Thursday. “They were honest with her and told her the truth about everything, about my academics, about my playing time, about my everything. She just liked Coach [Mark] Richt because he puts God above all. She’s a very Godly woman and she loved that about him.”
Brown, as you may have guessed, was raised by his grandmother. Asked if her feelings were the most important factor in his recruiting decision, Brown said no, “but it played an important role.”
Whatever the case the Bulldogs are definitely happy with Brown’s decision. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Parade All-American is expected to provide the perfect complement to 6-foot-4 flanker A.J. Green in Georgia’s offense.
The transition from being vigorously recruited to hurriedly prepared to play has been an interesting one for the introspective Brown.
“One difference is when you’re being recruited, they can’t coach you up really at all,” he said. “So that’s probably the biggest difference I’ve seen. Now they’re in your face telling you how to do it right. If you mess up you have to do up-downs, stuff like that. But I’d heard from other people the way [receivers coach Tony Ball] coached and I like it.”
Brown, who wore No. 22 in high school, was asked how he settled on jersey number 15. “They said, ‘you have these choices’ and I picked 15. [The choices] were like 15 and 17 and 80-something, 88 I think. I took 15.”
Brown also said he expects to lose the trademark long braids he’s had since high school. Traditionally the upper classmen shave the heads of the freshmen. “Yeah,” he said. “I’m probably going to cry. . . . Just kidding. I’ll do whatever they want.”
I also had a chance to talk to quarterback Aaron Murray, tight end Arthur Lynch and wide receiver Rantavious Wooten on Thursday. I’ll share some of those tidbits later.
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78 comments Add your comment
Saint Simons
August 7th, 2009
6:35 am
((((( 45 42 ))))) hahahahaha
CJ
August 7th, 2009
6:52 am
Funny how Techies have nothing better to do than post on UGA stories. The reverse is also true. Just worry about your own school and stop living in the past.
Ken
August 7th, 2009
7:02 am
This kid is going to be a monster !! Go dawgs
THWGT
Hey, Chip...
August 7th, 2009
7:04 am
…when are you going to write your first blog about the Bulldogs who get arrested? Oh yeah, not much has happened on that front this summer so you have not really had much to say – let’s keep it that way – you being quiet that is!
George P. Burdell
August 7th, 2009
7:15 am
This kid is a player. Good luck to him and the rest of the Bulldogs. Thank god he didn’t go to UT. See you all on The Flats in November. Go Jackets!
Life
August 7th, 2009
7:25 am
Who cares!
People are suffering economically, losing homes, having health issues, needing jobs….the real world life issues and how to help is what I care about
Help a Friend in need, now that is what is important.
Not Disappointed
August 7th, 2009
7:31 am
Don’t under estimate the power of Grandmother. Mine was a rock! I like this young man already. Best of luck to you Marion Brown.
That being said, “Ramblin Wreck!”
Who Cares
August 7th, 2009
7:34 am
Who cares?
Ga Boy
August 7th, 2009
7:44 am
Life, this is a football blog period. Either the people in here heve prepared themselves to the point they are not in dire situation and have the free time to blog or they are the latter who are trying to make the best to the situation and forget the woos of the world. Either way, get of your box and go help someone if that is your desire. Lead by example, not words.
dawgstephen
August 7th, 2009
7:58 am
Great article, and good information. Sounds like he isnt over his head, and will indeed see playing time and contribute. Is it Sept 5th yet?? Go Dawgs.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
eBuzz
August 7th, 2009
8:00 am
Although I certainly enjoyed last year’s victory, Saint Simons is irritating the hell out of me. Get a life, you clown, and act will a little more dignity. Better yet, just go away.
Bamafan
August 7th, 2009
8:23 am
I hope Marlon Brown scores several touchdowns on the vols during his career. My best friend at work says his son knows all about Marlon and says nothing but great things about the kid!! GO DAWGS!!
BigMike
August 7th, 2009
8:39 am
Life, Most people out here know it is tough economically, but no need to rain on someones happiness. It’s nice to see a kid do good, and come from the struggles of not having his parents to sucess, If you’re gonna call yourself Life, then first get one instead of hating on somebody else’s !!
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 7th, 2009
8:39 am
A.J.(6′4″) on one side, Marlon on the other (6′5″), Orson Charles (6′2″) at TE and Wooten the 4th receiver ….. can’t cover all that! I see 2010 being the Dawgs real chance at a BCS championship but they will be good this year but still very young. Hopefully this class will stay at UGA through their senior class though I can’t really blame Knowshon and Matt for getting rich! I still think all the players should have to stay four years which is in their commitment agreement but the lawyers always screw up the system for their own greed.
Exley DAWG
August 7th, 2009
8:40 am
From what I read on this kid, Im a fan already. I cant wait to hear the ovation this kid gets when he makes his first catch in Sanford Stadium. GO DAWGS!
JB
August 7th, 2009
8:40 am
guys, guys, guys……ignore Saint Simons………That is an AJC employee cranking it up. He’s not real.
How do you get first on every blog, everyday…..you don’t unless you are at the origination point of the blog.
Robert
August 7th, 2009
8:50 am
Never underestimate the influence of Grandma, one of the most important women in any mans life. Grandma’s do seem to love CMR, and I can understand why. Marlon is going to be a BEAST!
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2009
8:51 am
Another kid raised by his grandmother…and look at the results. Grandmothers are old enough to still remember how to be a good parent. Maybe more younger parents should take parenting classes from their grandparents. Wish you the best Marlon, and thank you for not going to Tennessee and that cheeze ball up there. Yes, Kiffin, some people still have solid values and can see through your nonsense.
Tampa Gator
August 7th, 2009
8:54 am
P.S. to Kiffin…keep trying to sell kids with billboards. Still, old fashion, honest talk with the kids and their parents (or guardians) still works best. The old saying still works best: “Let your coaches recruit the player, and let the head coach recruit the parents.” It still works, Mr. Kiffin.
kevin
August 7th, 2009
8:54 am
of course “Saint Simons the empoloyee” has to get his infamous score on the board first, can u say LOSER! Let the real fans comment!!
Voice of Reason
August 7th, 2009
9:00 am
Who cares? Everyone who clicked on the link to the story is who cares. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t have posted on it.
Life- If you are so concerned with helping people then get off your computer and this blog and go out and help someone. What did you expect the recruiting blog to be discussing? Cap and Trade?
Gators Will Pay
August 7th, 2009
9:05 am
Saint Simons has written a program allowing him to post even when he is not attending his computer. Don’t give him credit for following the DAWGS that closely.
PMC
August 7th, 2009
9:16 am
and Da Rick Rodgers is coming next year.
WOW!!!!! AJ Green maybe for 1 more after this year, Marlon Brown, Da Rick Rodgers… Orson Charles…. Tavarres King… yeah receiving shouldn’t be an issue.
LIFE
August 7th, 2009
9:22 am
At least my post made you think.
And to all, I do as I post on a daily basis.
Now go visit the elderly at a nursing home who needs some comfort and would just like someone to talk to.
I do.
GT alum
August 7th, 2009
9:22 am
This kid is going to be great. Real Tech fans realize that. The thought of Brown, Green, and Wooten for years to come sure scares the heck out of me. I’m excited about this becoming a real rivalry again, cause I like our team, too.
SimpleDawg
August 7th, 2009
9:23 am
If St Semens is smart enough to write a computer program to automatically post his anthem on any and all UGA articles and blogs, then I damn sure hope he’s doing something to benefit society, rather than just annoying the $#!+ out of the rest of us.
Good choice, Marlon.
Atlanta Gator
August 7th, 2009
9:24 am
Score one recruit for Mark Richt . . . and all the coach had to do was simply be himself. Marlon sounds like a good kid—-we wish him well in UGA career. Now, get a haircut.
LIFE
August 7th, 2009
9:26 am
And oh yeah, I too love Sports. Played both College Football and was drafted by Baltimore in Baseball in the 70’s.
Just letting you know that there are much more important issues in LIFE than an ” unproven recruit” at any school!
SAH
August 7th, 2009
9:34 am
LIFE……..GET ONE!
Welcome to Bulldog Nation Marlon.
Jim
August 7th, 2009
9:36 am
Refreshing. A humble kid who actually seems to have things figured out. Also nice to see a young man who cares about his grandmother too.He will do fine with UGA and add to the team. Someone said St.Simons needs to get a life – unfortunately, this is his life. Sad really. GO DAWGS!!
Dawgaholic idiot
August 7th, 2009
9:38 am
Should of gone to UT!
Jim
August 7th, 2009
9:41 am
Enter your comments here
shannon1776
August 7th, 2009
9:43 am
Saint Simons, when you beat us 7 years in a row, maybe you can start trash talking. Wait, I’ll settle for beating us 2 out of 3.
Jim
August 7th, 2009
9:43 am
Hey Life – My wife and I do community work, visit the sick, and help friends. And still have time to blog here. You may be doing all those things but lose the attitude and lose the preachy approach. Does not work well with people. Have a great day.
Grammar Skool
August 7th, 2009
9:47 am
Just a quick note, I almost didn’t read your article (which I enjoyed, by the way) because of the title. I thought it was going to be an article about Mack Brown not attending UGA because of his grandmother. If it were titled “Brown at Georgia not (just) because of his grandmother” or something else, I would have read it straight away. Instead, I had to come back to it after reading Anthony Dasher’s piece on Rivals.com. Anyway, your editor should have caught it. Keep up the good work.
Robert
August 7th, 2009
9:53 am
Don’t mean to hijack the blog, but has anyone else seen this story on sporting news?
http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/29391/Pssst:_Mark_Richt_Would_Like_to_Know_The_Answer_to_Eric_Berry/29391
I don’t want to believe it’s true, it better not be true. I think it may just be Berry talking jive, but if it is actually what happened, we should all be angry about this HUGE BALL BEING DROPPED.
OZZFEST
August 7th, 2009
10:05 am
How did we get to August 7 and I am just now finding out that Marlon Brown is 6′5″? My first thought…to paraphrase Rob Halford…. is “OKLAHOMA STATE….YOU GOT ANOTHER THING COMIN’.”
Big Dan
August 7th, 2009
10:06 am
LIFE, Glad to se you need someone to praise you for what you say you do for others. I also know a lot of people who put others first in their lives but don’t feel the need to post it on some sports blog. Sure we should all give more of our time and tallents, but do it with out the need of an ego stroke.
nola dawg
August 7th, 2009
10:08 am
good read Chip. You knew there had to be more to the story than what ol Lane was saying.
Know that you are the recruiting czar (or to anyone else)… who is tops on UGA’s 2010 board now? Do they have a shot at that Luc kid from FL?
BurningRedBleedingBlack
August 7th, 2009
10:09 am
I like this kid alot, i feel he will mature into a incredible player. I wish him well in school, health, family, god, and thats the same to all young recruits getting settled in the SEC! Im ready for some FOOTBALL GO DAWGS!! GATA
BigTimeTECHFan
August 7th, 2009
10:11 am
Hear Brown is going to be a very good receiver, if he like A.J Green they are going to be crazy good, plus didn’t they sign a very athletic tight end.
UGA vs Tech game is going to be a blast this year, Good luck dogs, but Go Jackets.
Robert
August 7th, 2009
10:11 am
I wish we could get Luc. That would really top the class of well. I think there is an LB is Texas who has us high too?? Wish we coulda gotten Mack to stay home…
Sea Island
August 7th, 2009
10:16 am
Here is what’s sad….no way SS is a real person. AJC….so sad you have to generate hits by trying to stir up Dawg fans
Big Dan
August 7th, 2009
10:16 am
I think Mack saw a stable full of backs and didn’t want to have to compete for snaps. We need to continet to build the defense for the long haul (all 4 years). We really need those line backers to come through..
nola dawg
August 7th, 2009
10:21 am
Robert – I think your talking about Jackson Jeffcoat out of Plano, TX (Dallas). A five star DE. He has us in his top 7.
I agree with Big Dan, you can not recruit enough front 7 talent these days.
GT alum
August 7th, 2009
10:22 am
Agree wholeheartedly with Sea Island, St. Simons doesn’t exist. Its gotta be someone trying to stir the pot, a Dawg fan or AJC staff. I assure you that none of my fellow Jacket fans would acknowledge him as one of our own. I also think its a little ironic that he’s always the first to comment.
CHARLOTTE DAWG
August 7th, 2009
10:23 am
Saint Simons made a computer program. “heheheheeheheehe, snort, snort”
And is it just me or does it seem like Tech fans are backing off their bravado just a little bit? Hmmmmmmmmmm
The2Davids&VernLundquist
August 7th, 2009
10:25 am
Chip: What about the last recruiting day last year when UGA had offered the JC transfer and the kid had even told Richt personally he was coming to UGA? What happened next was between that conversation and signing day Marlon told Richt he was coming to UGA. Being the astute business person Richt “watched” the body language of the JC kid and called him in the office and told him that he was watching his body language and could tell he wasn’t committed to UGA. He then told him to go out the side do as to not have to answer any questions from reporters. Obviously at the time Richt thought Marlon was going to committ to UT, so he made a huge emphasis to sign the JC kid. When Marlon decided on UGA they through the JC kid under the bus (he signed with Oklahoma).Of course this was a well contirved plan by the UGA staff, as they would much prefer a kid that has 4 years of eligibilty over a kid with 2 years. Also, I didn’t really see anything in your article that Marlon really talks about his decision. He only pretty much says that granny liked Richt. (Nothing new there). Also, did Garner go to church in Memphis? I would be interested in how many denominations he has been with and how many times he has moved his church letter.
Robert
August 7th, 2009
10:30 am
Thanks Nola,
I just feel like we never really have that speedy, big back like Mack Brown. He would been great for us.
You and Big Dan are right, that front 7 has always been UGA’s bread and butter. Has always been my favorite part of the team too.
Honestly, though, do ya’ll see us getting any of those top LB’s? I really don’t. Luc will probably head to UF, typical.
GT alum
August 7th, 2009
10:31 am
Charlotte Dawg, it looks more like Dawg fans expectations are rising as fast as they usually do this time of the year.(typical) And the fact that I respect your team doesn’t mean I don’t think we’re gonna hand you your -ss in November. Paul Johnson = whole new ball game.
nola dawg
August 7th, 2009
10:33 am
Scout.com’ take on Luc …
“Luc is like a freak of nature on the high school level. He has size of an NFL linebacker and he plays on another level.”
Not really sure if he is leaning or discussing any schools. Wish i did.. Was hoping someone on this board spends those extra bucks and subscribes to these sites and has heard what he is thinking.
GTDog
August 7th, 2009
10:36 am
Hmmm, Dave, Dave, Lundy. I recall the jc kid you’re talking about but can’t remember his name. Local boy, right? But I also recall that the kid committed to Oklahoma a week or two before signing day, preferring to catch passes from a Heisman winner than an unknown quantity at UGA. Can’t blame him for that and I’m sure we’ll all remember his name soon enough.
In short, I don’t buy your version of events at all…have a great weekend
GTDog
August 7th, 2009
10:43 am
I agree GT alum, PJ is a fantastic coach. He’s proven it every step along the way. And yes, I think our expectations are on the rise, due in part to the fact that many UGA fans were disappointed in last year’s results. In retrospect, UGA didn’t live up to the hype, but I for one never expected the Dogs to go undefeated and really didn’t get my hopes up for a NC shot. It’s tough to win ‘em all these days if you play a decent schedule, and participation in the NC game is a crapshoot at best until you get late in the season.
Georgia’s been at an elite level for a while now and I expect that to continue. Can’t wait for the UGA-GT game in November, though my loyalties do get tested in that one. Should be a good game!
Big Dan
August 7th, 2009
10:50 am
Georgia got a comitment from a good friend of Luc’s and most are thinking it’s a package deal..(we can only hope)
GT alum
August 7th, 2009
10:50 am
Its gonna be a good one in November. Lets hope both teams stay healthy before then. As a Tech fan, I hate that we play UGA at the end of the year, every year. Especially with some of the youngsters playing at the skill positions for UGA. Just gives them time to mature before the big game. But if I’m a Dawg fan, I would feel good about what you’re bringing back up front.
GTDog
August 7th, 2009
11:06 am
Uhhhh, what goes around comes around. I would have preferred to have played Tech early in the year LAST YEAR when fumbles were spouting out all over the field! lol
Have a great weekend…what was your major btw?
The2Davids&VernLundquist
August 7th, 2009
11:07 am
GTDog, yes a local kid. He had told Richt he was coming to UGA, but did get an offer from OK. He went to his visit at UGA and was basically told to leave. Fishy….I’m sure they had a silent committment from Marlon and granny. I still didn’t see in Chips article that Marlon talked about his recruitment and why he chose UGA. The one or two line he mentions was nothing new. Even Kiffin said that the day after he committed to UGA. I think Chip has sour grapes about Kiffin, and I think Chip wants to create a controversy when there is nothing to create one with. Is Chip sore because Kiffin hasn’t really tweaked UGA like he did Bama, Florida, and Carolina. Is Chip hurt that Kiffin didn’t include UGA in that group, does he feel slighted?
harry dawgs
August 7th, 2009
11:27 am
Compare the environment for easy living at tech and at UGA. Now, at tech, you have to start packing ( hardware ) early. If you go out to the Varsity late, walking back, you could be blown away. THIS is going to be a real problem for CPJ in the future. We all know that his um, ah, punt returner has already had issues …………. with APD charges and women.
Enough said ………….now, compare Athens to the Northside Drive area. Both areas have a Krystal hamburger joint and both have Waffle Houses where all former Tech greats work ( see Bus School ) but in Athens, there are women like Kim Bassinger walking to class. At tech ………well, that is where their all world punt returner comes in. Kim would HAVE to be packing in that case.
Go DAWSG!!!
tenn.DAWG
August 7th, 2009
11:30 am
Hey Coacho Oacho,you can get by on that shallow rah rah take off my shirt and look at me with 16 year olds,but don’t try and blow smoke up grannys skirt.
RonnieGarDner
August 7th, 2009
11:32 am
I think all coaches should wear straw hats and go to the same church as the kid they are recruiting.
nola dawg
August 7th, 2009
11:42 am
thanks Big Dan.. Luc reminds me so much of Ernie Sims. Stud NFL ready LB from FL that we are a long shot to get… but you never know.
Voice of Reason
August 7th, 2009
12:12 pm
The recievers name was Cameron Kinney and he commited to Oklahoma despite being very much wanted at UGA. It was not between him and Brown, both could have come.
Jay
August 7th, 2009
1:01 pm
Grandma’s boy is going to be a bust. Its obvious that he is a soft coward.
RonnieGarDner
August 7th, 2009
1:33 pm
Oh sure they both could have come, but only one would have gotten the bulk of play time.Short term Kenney would have been great. Long term UGA made the right decision to run him off in favor of Brown.
donzadawg
August 7th, 2009
4:43 pm
COULD WE PLEASE GET BACK TO DISCUSSING “THE KIFFIN” AND THE “TENNESEE WILD BOYZ” HE’S SOOOO COOOOOL!!!
YOU KNOW HIS FIRST RAP ALBUM IS DUE OUT THIS WEEK AND HE’S DATING BRITTANY!!!!! I WANT TO PLAY FOR HIM!
Voice of Reason
August 7th, 2009
4:52 pm
Well, I see where there are two of us (Voice of Reason). At least the other one posts are intelligent as well. I suppose one of us should change our name, so I will be the gracious one and do so. This will be my last post as Voice of Reason. I am not sure what name I will use, maybe the Voice of Someone Else, or maybe Just Another Voice, or maybe something different. We shall see. In the meantime, I bid you good by and will come back strong.
dawgstephen
August 7th, 2009
5:15 pm
The way a Coach lives his life, and the way he is involved OFF the field in a players life DOES make a difference. The grandma wasnt recruited, but she definitely played a part in raising this young man so who she was most comfortable with did have an impact on his decision. Congrats to Marlon, and Go dawgs.
http://www.dawgstephen.blogspot.com
dawes
August 7th, 2009
9:24 pm
who would wont to play for a coach like kiffin a cry baby
Look Alive---There are buzzards overhead
August 7th, 2009
11:09 pm
Look alive—-There are buzzards overhead. Unemployment may be nearly 10% but that only means that 9 out of 10 people (90%) are working–not so bad. Keep the faith Life most people are good and do good things but they want to enjoy life too. Blogging is a way of life and it is great to be a Bulldog fan. Have a blessed night.
murphmom
August 8th, 2009
10:57 am
Georgia fans are in for a treat! As one of Marlon’s former teachers, I can assure you, he is the real deal!! Tough as nails, smart, and has been raised right! He’s going to be fun to watch. Nice article about a fantastic young man and a football beast.
murphmom
August 8th, 2009
11:51 am
BTW, he has had those braids since at least 5th grade…it will be strange to see him without them.
Ms. Morgan
August 8th, 2009
11:55 am
Georgia is lucky to have Marlon Brown. Obviously his skill and talent have brought him here, but he has more than that to contribute to his school, teammates, and community. I taught him in junior high. He will lend a fighting hand on the field of football and in fields of life. Give Him the glory, Marlon. Love ya!
Jesus
August 8th, 2009
3:57 pm
I am a community organizer. I visit the sick and help the downtrodden. I know something about life. I want to tell Life something. “How ’bout them dawgs!”
JJ
August 8th, 2009
5:56 pm
Good god, when will you guys figure out that Saint Simons is a Georgia fan? He’s mocking Tech fans and just trying to stir things up. Don’t make yourself look foolish by getting mad at him.
On-topic: I’m excited to see what Marlon, Orson, and Rantavious can do for us down the road. Oh, and some kid named Murray too.
UGASlobberknocker
August 8th, 2009
7:51 pm
Granny also thinks Tech is a nerd haven. That is a smart woman.
Saint Smokey
August 10th, 2009
12:41 pm
M. Brown seems like he’s got a good attitude and will do great things with this opportunity. As a fellow Tennessee native, it will be fun to watch his career. I’m not convinced he’s at the right school, but congrats to the Dawgs for this pick-up, and I whish Brown much success.
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 11th, 2009
4:16 pm
Saint Simons does not exist …… just a game being played!
Flo-Ri-Duh!
August 11th, 2009
9:41 pm
Johnny Cochran and Urban Meyer are a lot alike….. do anything for a buck!