Former Florida lineman commits to Tennessee
By Dave Hooker (Contact)
Originally published 02:53 p.m., June 3, 2009
Updated 03:49 p.m., June 3, 2009

Tennessee received its eighth commitment when former Florida defensive lineman John Brown told UT’s coaches he would be a Vol on Wednesday.

The 6-foot-2, 300-pounder is enrolled at Northeast Mississippi Community College after leaving Florida during the spring semester reportedly because of academic shortcomings.

Brown plans to be a part of UT’s 2010 class and will have two seasons of eligibility remaining once he arrives in Knoxville, likely in May.

Brown was one of the highest rated prospects in the nation when he signed to be a Gator after a stellar career at Lakeland (Fla.) High School.

"I love the fact we play Florida every year," Brown told InsideTennessee.com, a website that covers UT. "Hopefully I can have a big homecoming game there."

Brown, who has aspirations of playing in the National Football League, said he is excited to play for UT head coach Lane Kiffin and defensive line coach Ed Orgeron.

"I want to get to the league; Tennessee is the best way for me to get there," Brown was quoted as saying. "I'm going to have to learn how to sing 'Rocky Top,' because we will be singing it a lot over the next couple of years.

"It's my goal to win a national championship while in Knoxville … Coach O is the best defensive line coach in the country and coach Monte Kiffin is the best defensive coordinator.”

Brown is the fifth defensive lineman to commit to UT for the 2010 class.