The Lions' Pride

Yeah, I watched that same film. We'll just have to disagree on what we see. His tackles look more like wrestling takedowns to me. Most of the time he hits the ground after initial contact and tries to whip the runner down. Compare that with Ryne Rankin, especially his third highlight where he comes up to engage the runner in the hole and delivers the hit. I know that Rankin is playing the middle and Brown is playing the outside, but all the same I think the tackling form is poor. As far as the handfighting, that might work with HS wide receivers but I don't think it's a skill that will translate into the next level. Instead of using his hands to keep smaller players at bay, I'd like it a lot more if he engaged and shedded blockers.

So look, I'm not saying he's an awful player or anything like that. I'm just saying, in my opinion only, that there are PSU targets whom I would have ranked higher. I said this about Switzer back when he was apparently all Penn State and I will say it about Brown when it looks like he might be all Penn State, he's the kind of prospect that fans love when he's leaning toward your school but if he commits elsewhere (say, Rutgers), then the next 100 responses will be about how he probably wouldn't have mattered here anyway. If Brown commits, I will be very happy for him and the program and will root very hard for him.

Fair enough. FWIW, comparing MLB vs OLB is a totally different skill set. In tackling the RB is coming through what is usually a small hole with very little wiggle room. For an OLB you are in a lot more open field and have to do things a little differently. While I don't think he is perfect and there are several takedowns as you said rather than tackles, his technique shows on several tackles, sometimes you just do what you have to on the outside.

In taking on blocks, MLB steps up to a full back or OL, you have to step in engage and shed the block. One, they get a run at you and two, they carry a little beef. At OLB you are dealing with TE, WR primarily and on his team he is playing on the line, ie very little run at him from the TE's. An OLB should never let a WR get in on him, should be swatting them away like flies. TE in HS generally the same. The best comparison for an OLB is when they step across the line and have to deal with a pulling G or FB on a sweep. Only saw a couple of those on his film but he engages and sheds on both. If you look at the guys he is going against most of the time there is no need to engage them.

I do agree with you that if he does that with an OL or D1 level TE/FB then he would not have a lot of luck. I also like Rankin and even more so Deeb. If we get one at MLB I will be very happy. Also agree that Brown is not the be all and end all for OLB's but I don't think we get AA (hope I am wrong) so I think Brown would be a very nice get. JMO.