Interview: 4-Star 2021 Virginia DE/OLB Naquan Brown Talks Upcoming Visits and Fall Ball
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
There are already 20-plus schools going after Class of 2021 defensive end/outside linebacker Naquan Brown, and for good reason. The 6-3, 200-pound, defender creates mismatches on the field using his speed and quickness to collapse the pocket and can take on the run. After a breakout sophomore season that saw him earn first team Beach District, second team All-Region honors, and the No. 7 overall ranking at end in his class (247Sports), fans of Ocean Lakes High School, and college football scouts alike, are ready to see what he has in-store for his junior campaign. The hefty list of standout programs who have already offered Brown may grow even more in 2019, not just because of his play on defense but because he is also ready to shine on offense at receiver.
In an RNG catch-up interview, Brown and I talk Dolphins fall camp with a look ahead and cover ground on his recruiting process and upcoming visits.
*Click link for May 4, 2019, RNG interview with Naquan Brown
Interview
Naquan, all of the hard work put into your offseason workouts are now about to be showcased on the field in the 2019 season. Silly question, but are you pumped already for the showdown against Cox?
“Yes. I am so ready. I want to let people know what I am about. I am ready to compete and ball out.”
Last time we spoke you were preparing for some work at receiver this season. How have those workouts gone, if you are still playing receiver this season?
“I am. Most definitely. I am playing on both sides this year. People are saying I am looking good on offense.”
What has been the focus of your offseason workouts on defense?
“My technique, hands, and explosiveness.”
Where are you seeing the biggest improvements?
“In my strength. It is a scary sight.”
I bet. Did you post a 40-yard dash this offseason?
“I did at a camp. I ran a 4.8.”
Which college camps did you go to this summer?
“I went to camps at South Carolina and Virginia Tech.”
How did the South Carolina camp performance turn out?
“It went very well. After the one-on-ones, they checked the film, and decided to give me the offer. Their coaching staff is very nice.”
That’s great. And the Virginia Tech camp, how did that go?
“It went very well also. I already had an offer from them. It was nice to get work in from them at the camp. My cousin plays for them, so they are showing love. It is a nice connection from up there to down here for me.”
Who is your cousin?
“Jaevon Becton. He is a defensive end from my high school. He was Class of 2018.”
It is nice to have someone you trust to talk about the process.
“Yes. It is.”
With the process, which schools are showing interest but have not offered yet?
“Ohio State, Clemson, and Florida are showing interest.”
I know you have a lot of them, how many offers do you have now?
“I have 21 offers.”
Brown’s Offer Sheet: Central Florida, Charlotte, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina, Liberty, LSU, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, Old Dominion, Penn State, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, South Carolina, Temple, TCU, Virginia Tech, and Virginia
Separate from the camps, did you visit any schools this offseason?
“Yes. I went to UNC (North Carolina), Virginia Tech, and South Carolina.”
We talked about South Carolina and Virginia Tech already, how did the North Carolina visit go?
“It went very well. We went to a cookout. I met my position coach during the visit, we toured around the facilities and the locker room, and then we ate. I talked to their defensive coordinator for a while. We also took pictures on that visit.”
Are you going to any schools this fall?
“Yes. I am going to Virginia Tech for sure and I am trying to go to LSU, Michigan, and I will see about visiting Clemson, TCU, and Penn State.”
You have some time with the process, but have you started thinking about when you might start narrowing down the schools and release a list?
“I am planning on releasing my top schools list this spring.”
A few minutes ago, we talked about how your game is looking, how are the Dolphins looking in fall camp?
“We are looking good. Everyone who is back is healthy. We are looking good. We are going to do something this year. We are ready to repeat and go back to state.”
The opener against Cox is a big one, which other games are you already hyped to play in 2019?
“I am excited for the Maury (Norfolk) game. I get to go against KeAndre Lambert, he’s a 4-star 2020 receiver. Next week we scrimmage Indian River. I think they have a North Carolina (Lamareon James) and a Navy commit (Tyrell Spruill) on their team. That should be a fun scrimmage.”
What personal goals have you set for your junior season?
“On offense, I want to have as many yards as I can. My goal is to have a winning team. I know what I can do on defense, I want to see what I have on offense this season.”
Naquan, it is always great catching up with you. I appreciate your time and wish you and the Dolphins a successful season.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Brown family; Naquan Brown at South Carolina