With 18 new recruits added to the football team’s roster for the 2010 season, one stands out among the rest. Allen High School quarterback Matt Brown verbally committed to the University of Arizona Wildcats in April 2009, before his senior year season began, but went back on his word when the offensive coordinator for the Wildcats quit.
“It is different if an offensive lineman is getting recruited and the offensive coordinator quits because the offensive lineman is still going to block,” Brown said. “But for a quarterback, they could be running a complete different offense and you never know what to expect, so I looked to find somewhere else.”
The University of Nebraska, Iowa State University and Kansas State University were among the universities looking to sign Brown.
Rivals.com ranked Brown the No. 11 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and No. 3 in the state, throwing for 24 touchdowns and rushing for 17 during his senior season.
Brown said he is excited to have the chance to play for the university because the Horned Frogs’ offensive style is similar to his high school’s.
He said being close to home is important to him as well.
“I really like to go fishing and be with my family and stuff, so to be able to have a second chance and be able to do that is really cool,” Brown said. “Everyone who has been to all my football games since I was little will get to come out and watch me still.”
Brown plans to red-shirt his first year, gain weight and learn the offense as best as he can, he said.
“I know Andy Dalton is going to be there and going to be the starter no matter what, and he deserves it,” Brown said. “He is a really good quarterback but that next year I would like to get the chance to compete.”
Brown said he likes the team’s fearless attitude.
“The thing I like about coach Patterson, or the vibe I get from him, is that he is not scared of anybody,” he said. “He will play anybody – Texas, USC, Florida, he doesn’t care who it is.”
Brown said he hopes to eventually take the team to the national championship, he said.
“My goal in anything is to win, and I feel like TCU definitely has the opportunity to win,” he said.
