Montaric Brown to Arkansas: Razorbacks Land 4-Star Safety Prospect

Montaric Brown announced Thursday that he's planning to play college football at Arkansas, providing a solid boost to the Razorbacks' 2017 recruiting class.

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— August 24th♌ (@yvngsimba3) July 28, 2016"

Brown carries a 4-star distinction and ranks as the No. 195 overall prospect in the 2017 class, according to 247Sports' composite rankings. He also rates as the No. 18 safety and the top incoming player from the state of Arkansas.

The Ashdown High School star has displayed an advanced understanding of how to read and react to a play from the safety position. He sports a terrific first step, smooth acceleration and good hands—all the telltale signs of a ball hawk.

Ashdown head coach Matt Richardson told Richard Davenport of WholeHogSports that Brown is most comfortable when making plays on the ball.

"The best thing he does is ball skills," Richardson said. "Because of his hips he can run with receivers."

While the other areas of his game—whether it's providing over-the-top support in pass coverage or dropping into the box to help against the run—aren't as polished, his upside is intriguing. Those other skills can be honed on the practice field. His natural instincts can't be taught.

Managing to keep Brown in Arkansas is a major victory for the Razorbacks. Beating out other high-profile programs like Alabama and Baylor in order to land a top in-state prospect makes quite a statement for head coach Bret Bielema and his staff.

The decision also makes a lot of sense for Brown.

Not only does he get to stay closer to home, but his path to playing time features fewer hurdles than it would have with a secondary-rich team like Alabama. And he still gets to go up against SEC competition.

It's hard to project exactly when Brown will make his way into the starting lineup. But this signing is more about his long-term upside anyway. Once he makes the necessary improvements, particularly in terms of run support, he should become a high-impact player for Arkansas.