Official visits got off to a hot start for Texas last weekend, hosting some of their top priorities. Texarkana native Derrick Brown was one of them. The four-star edge rusher walked away impressed, saying Austin “felt like home” and reiterated that he would be back.
Brown’s ability on the outside makes him one of the most vital defensive recruits in front of Pete Kwiatwkoski. His Jack/X-back positions are going to be running thin past this season. A player with Brown’s ability would be a major addition for the future.
Oklahoma and Texas A&M have seemed to be the big competitors for Brown. The Sooners have former teammate Clayton Smith from the 2021 class, while Jimbo Fisher has done a great job bringing top in-state to College Station.
Early 247Sports crystal ball predictions came in favor of Oklahoma. Now, Texas has begun to take over. Mike Roach of Horns247 gave a confidence level of 7 for Brown ending up in Austin.
Texas 🔮 pick for Derrick Brown (🏈)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2022 Edge / 6-4 / 210
✍️ By Mike Roach 🎤⬇️ (Texas Insider)
🎚️ 7 (High)#247Sports #22EFFECT #AllGasNoBrakes ⛽️🙅♂️🛑 #HookEm 🤘🐂— Texas Crystal Ball 🤘🔮 🧙♂️ (@texcrystal_ball) June 10, 2021
Brown is the No. 302 overall player and No. 15 edge on the national level. Within the state of Texas, the four-star is ranked No. 46.
His junior season was dominant, mixing it up between outside linebacker and rushing the quarterback. Brown finished with 67 tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception.
Landing Brown would instantly boost Texas’ pass rush moving forward. If Ja’Tavion Sanders ends up on the defensive side of the ball, he and Brown could create a dangerous duo.