Tennessee Recruit Bryce Brown: On a Mission From God

A small but sizable ripple was felt today in the recruiting waters of college football. 

The coveted top-ranked tailback Bryce Brown, who de-committed from the University of Miami, is now going to play for Tennessee. 

Brown’s commitment pushed Tennessee’s recruiting class into the top 10 with both Rivals and Scout class rankings. 

The much-criticized first-year coach Lane Kiffin had a lot to crow about.

"We believe the addition of Bryce Brown improves an already great class.  To be able to sign the No. 1 player in the country before we even play our first game speaks volumes for our great university and this coaching staff."

Brown’s de-commitment is nothing new to the world of recruiting.  It has unfortunately become more of an epidemic in the last few years and has many coaches at odds with the "system."

Recently, an article written by Andy Staples with Sports Illustrated spoke to an anonymous BCS coach about the pains of the current recruiting challenges.

“I asked about some of the ills plaguing recruiting, and he groused that a commitment isn't a commitment anymore. 'They're just making a reservation,'" he said. "Hold the scholarship for me until I find something better.'.”

Staples goes on to mention in his article that there’s a double-edged sword.

“If the player reneges on his commitment, fans and media paint him as a flake.  If the coach finds someone better and yanks the offer, the press destroys him, and he'll struggle to win the trust of future recruits.”

It’s not just the coaches who are frustrated, either.  Even Brown’s father was not very happy about his son’s recruiting experience.

"I would say to a recruit, do not commit.  If you commit to a university, be absolutely beyond a shadow of a doubt sure that you don't need to see another university.  And let that be your stance.  If you have the need to visit other schools, do not verbally commit."

You can’t really blame the kids though.  The media attention and hype that now surrounds college recruiting has turned a much hallowed and significant moment for a student-athlete into a dog-and-pony show. 

Press conferences now attract multi-million dollar media outlets to carry live their decision on who the lucky university will be? 

I get it, I understand it, but it’s grotesque.  Even Brown today, when making his choice, played the audience as to where he would go with the "take the hat out of the bag" routine. 

What makes this more shameful is that Brown has connected a Holy preface as to why he chose Tennessee. 

"I've come up with some goals and plans for the future.  I plan on holding seminars where I can talk to recruits and help them make spiritual decisions."

As a follower of Christ and born again believer myself, I totally understand the need to follow where the Lord leads. 

But to throw pearls at the feet of swine by publically announcing your step-by-step program to help future recruits be led by God to choose a college to play football is disingenuous and ignorant. 

WWJD? – I doubt He would hold a "seminar."