(photo credit: Chelsea Reinhardt)
Independence Day will be a cause for celebration for one of America’s proud college football programs.
That’s when No. 1 over prospect Lamar Brown plans to announce his college decision.
Brown, a consensus five-star prospect from University Lab in Baton Rouge, will make his choice between LSU, Texas A&M, Miami and Florida State. He stopped by After Further Review with Matt Moscona on Wednesday to discuss a myriad of topics from his ultimate position to his relationships with college programs to his final decision.
Few prospects possess Brown’s versatility. Once a defensive prospect, Brown has worked his way to a force on both sides of the ball.
“I came into high school playing defense, but our coach needed offensive linemen, so I was down to do it,” Brown said. “I did it. I didn’t think I was that good at it until I actually played it. So, that’s how it started with the both ways situation.
“They ranked me as a (defensive tackle), and at the camp I competed, I won as many reps as I could. I think I won all of my reps. I jumped on the offensive side and won reps on that side, too. So, I had a preference. I wanted to play college ball at defensive line, but I’m starting to look at it, and I don’t know which position I really want to play.”
At 6-foot-5 and just under 290 lbs., Brown is being courted as a guard and tackle on offense and a tackle and end on defense.
The Tigers see Brown as a key defensive piece, “(LSU) is recruiting me to play field end, not interior.”
Options are nice if you have them. Brown can see himself on either side.
“Just how athletic I am. I put up good numbers like with a 4.85 40 (yard dash) I think,” Brown said. “I can move very well. I felt like I could do that on the defensive side. I always played defensive line my whole life. (On offense) most (schools) say they’ll start me off outside at tackle, but, based on my length and my size–I’m not a 6’6”-6’7” person–people see me as an interior person.”
Brown fields phone calls daily from programs checking in. Prior to his interview on ESPN Baton Rouge, he spoke with Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. He and LSU head coach Brian Kelly had a call set up for later in the afternoon. When it comes to call frequency, Brown mentioned the Texas A&M staff.
“There’s not a day I don’t talk to them,” Brown said. “Coach (Mike) Elko, I talk to him every week. The D-line coach, Coach Tony (Jerod-Eddie), Coach (Sean Spencer), I just got off the phone with them not too long ago. That’s three great people. Just great relationship with them ever since they started recruiting me. I’ve been down there a few times. I usually don’t go to a lot of schools that much out of state, but that’s a place I feel comfortable at myself. My parents feel comfortable there, honestly. The staff, the people, it’s a great place.”
The home team checks in regularly, as well. Brown has taken in a spring practice at LSU and speaks highly of edge rushers coach Kevin Peoples, offensive line coach Brad Davis and the head coach.
“Brian Kelly, I’ve got a good relationship with him,” Brown said. “The LSU Tigers, it’s going to be hard for schools to push away to get me from down here to other schools. I’m supposed to talk to Brian Kelly in the next hour or so. Just a great man. I love what he’s doing at LSU.”
Some University Lab prospects like Garrett Brumfield and Nick Brossette choose to stay home and play on the same campus they roamed in high school. Some decide to look elsewhere. Some, like Jardin Gilbert, look elsewhere and return home via the transfer portal.
What would it mean for Brown to play for his hometown school?
“It would mean a lot, especially Saturday nights in Death Valley,” he said. “The games I’ve experienced, I can see myself playing big there. Putting on for my community, my state, this community. That would mean a lot to a lot of people.”
Whatever decision Brown arrives upon, he will be waiting until the fall semester of 2026 to enroll. He wants to compete in his senior track and field season. Brown said LSU’s Track and Field staff has been recruiting him in addition to the football staff.
