How Effingham Co. DL RJ Brown picked up offer from Georgia football – Savannah Morning News

RJ Brown Jr. is no stranger to the world of college football recruiting. The rising junior at Effingham County High picked up his first offer — from Arkansas — when he was an eighth grader.
The interest from Power 4 programs hasn’t waned as Brown Jr. has continued to develop, even as the highly-regarded lineman has changed positions.
He started as an offensive lineman at Savannah Christian, where he had a standout freshman season. Last year, he saw action on both sides of the line and started drawing more attention for his work as a defensive lineman.
Brown Jr. transferred from Savannah Christian to Effingham County after a family move, joining former Raider offensive lineman Jordan Dillon, who committed to Georgia Tech this week, on the Rebel squad.
Last weekend, Brown attended at camp at the University of Georgia, and picked up his biggest offer yet from the Bulldogs.
“It was a dream come true to get an offer from my dream school,” Brown Jr. said. “I know how much work I put in, day-in and day-out, so I’m not surprised. But I’m definitely blessed to have an offer from Georgia.”
It was the 18th offer for Brown, a 6-foot-3, 295-pounder, who said training under former Savannah Christian and Louisville star DeAngelo Brown (no relation), who owns DB97 Training, has played a big role in his growth as a defensive lineman.
“Coach Brown has been working closely with me and has taught me how to play the postition,” RJ Brown Jr. said. “I can see the difference and improvements I’ve made in the last four to five months and I wouldn’t be where I am today without him.”
Brown Jr. said in addition to UGA, his top offers include Florida State, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Georgia Tech and North Carolina State.
“I wouldn’t say that there is pressure on me with the recruiting,” Brown Jr. said. “I’m the oldest sibling in my family, so I try to be a role model. My dad helps me out a lot with all of it, and I just try to take it all in and pray for the best.”
He said the transition to attend Effingham County and play for Rebel Coach John Ford has been a smooth one.
“Coach Ford took me in like he had known me for my whole life,” Brown Jr. said. “And I’ve become close with Coach (defensive coordinator Jordan) Mullis. I’m looking forward to the season.”
Ford said he has been impressed with Brown Jr. as a player, and as a person.
“RJ is a hard-working young man,” Ford said. “He does things on his own like working with Coach Brown and at the Factory to get better every day. He went up to Georgia and Coach (UGA defensive line coach Tray) Scott felt that RJ had what he was looking for with his size, his heart and his intangibles. It was a well deserved offer for RJ.”
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN

source