Miami to lose Brown
Unless Bryce Brown makes a decision Wednesday, the nation’s top-ranked recruit will be going somewhere other than Miami.
The letter-of-intent Brown was offered by Miami expires Wednesday, and a person involved in recruiting the running back from Wichita, Kansas told The AP the Hurricanes will not reissue the scholarship offer. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Brown’s representatives nor Miami authorized him to speak publicly.
“Miami will not give him another letter,” the person said.
Brian Butler, Brown’s advisor, told The AP he was unaware the letters have an expiration date, but reiterated that the U.S. Army All-American – who was wooed by most of the nation’s big-time programs – won’t be signing until March 16.
“Not until then,” said Butler, who handles all of Brown’s dealings with media and coaches. “If there’s no letter here from Miami on March 16, then I’ll get on the phone. So that’s up to Miami. Bryce has his timeline set. We’re not changing it at all.”
Citing NCAA rules, which specifically ban coaches from discussing recruits until their paperwork is filed, Miami coach Randy Shannon refused comment.
Signing day was Feb. 4, and that’s the date on the NLI issued to Brown by Miami, which means that paper would be valid until Feb. 18.
Brown, of Wichita East (Kan.) High, committed to Miami months ago. The brother of Miami linebacker Arthur Brown – rushed for 1,873 yards and 29 touchdowns in nine games this past season, averaging 9.2 yards per carry for a team that finished 6-3.
Foot surgery: Florida returner Brandon James has had surgery to repair a broken bone in his right foot.
James will be on crutches for at least six weeks, but is expected to make a full recovery before fall practice in August.
James, the Southeastern Conference’s special teams player of the year in 2008, averaged 13.8 yards a punt return and scored two touchdowns. He also averaged 23.1 yards per kickoff return.
He set Florida’s single-season record for punt return yardage (510) last year and holds the career mark (1,127). He ranks third in SEC history with punts returned for touchdowns and ranks fifth in total return yardage (3,089).