Thursday, September 12, 2013
Vol. 124, Issue 7 Blue-chip defensive tackle Andrew Brown of Chesapeake, Va. announces his committment to play football at Virginia beginning in 2014. Photos courtesy of Virginia-Pilot
PART 1: THE DECISION
FOUR-PART CAVALIER DAILY RECRUITMENT SERIES
“ARE YOU STUPID?”
Three five-star recruits. Three friends. Three new members of the Virginia football family. How did it happen? Daniel Weltz Sports Editor
Taquan Mizzell and Quin Blanding, former teammates at Bayside High School in Virginia Beach and the first five-star prospects to commit to the University since 2005, share a secret they believe will drastically alter the trajectory of a college football program. In a matter of moments, Vir-
ginia will become the only school in the country to receive a verbal commitment from two of scouting service Rivals’ top-12 prospects in the country, a boon that could shift the balance of power in the Atlantic Coast Conference. On the morning of June 29, 2013, Blanding and Mizzell drive 15 miles south to the neighboring town of Chesapeake, where star defensive tackle Andrew Brown has set up a press conference to an-
nounce his collegiate destination. Brown, a standout senior at Oscar Smith High School, has been labeled an impact pass-rusher with speed, strength and size on the line. ESPN.com broadcasts a live video feed from Brown’s dining room, where the 6-foot, 3-inch prodigy sits behind a makeshift podium, wearing a silver cross around his neck and a giddy smile upon his face.
"Andrew Waverly Brown III,” Brown begins, “is going to be playing college football at—” He pauses for dramatic effect, letting the tension build to an apex, "U.Va." Cheers of approval erupt throughout the room while Brown reveals an orange hat. Among the jubilant spectators, unseen by the camera which zeroes in on Brown alone, Mizzell, Blanding and fellow Cavalier verbal commit Corwin “Turtle” Cutler celebrate alongside
the Brown family. Mizzell, a freshman running back at Virginia, was the first fivestar prospect to commit to the University in eight years when he did so in August 2012. Just six months later, Blanding, now a high school senior, became the second. With his announcement, Brown becomes the third five-
see DECISION, page 43