Malcom Brown of Brenham: Top 50 football recruits in 50 days

Texas is truly a large state. So big, in fact, some football coaches don't who Malcom Brown is.

Seems Brown's team Brenham (Texas) was scrimmaging Manville last week and on the first play the 6-foot-2, 280-pound defensive tackle manhandled an offensive tackle and destroyed the running back.

And it happened one time after another after another.

"(Crap), (crap), (crap)," screamed a Manville coach. "Can't we block that guy?"

Well, blocking the nation's No. 42 recruit - a Texas commit - isn't really fair one-on-one and soon enough, like almost all teams did last year, Brown eventually drew double teams at the scrimmage.

Not surprising, said MaxPreps/CBS recruiting guru Tom Lemming, who ranks all the prospects and has done so for more than 30 years.

"After watching five minutes of film, (picking) Brown became a no-brainer," Lemming said. "He dominates everything up the middle with his mean, aggressive and nasty style of play.

"As quick as a cat, he can take on blockers quickly, disengage and then find the ball. He's a superior talent."

Richard Bray, the sports editor at the Brenham Banner newspaper, has watched Brown since coach Glen West brought him up early his freshman season.

"He's just got a great combination of speed and raw power," Bray said. "He's a wide body who can really run. He's very athletic for his size."

So much so, Brown is taking on a new full-time position: tight end.

He saw spot duty as a fullback last year, but this season he'll start at tight end. He actually caught a touchdown pass in the scrimmage.

"He has tremendous hands," said West, noting that Brown is a post player and spot starter on the basketball team. "On the touchdown he made a nice catch and ran over a few people before getting in the end zone. He's going to be a real weapon for us."

Not only has the quiet and humble Brown taken on a new position, but also a new role as a vocal leader.

Always a focused hard worker, according to West, Brown has now put himself out socially, something that doesn't come natural.

"It takes courage to lead," West said. "To put yourself out there in front of your peers is scary."

West said Brown had a breakout moment just last week, during a conditioning drill in the searing heat.

One player didn't cross the line in the allotted time causing the entire team to repeat the drill.

"That can definitely be a breaking point for teams," West said. "Someone had to take charge."

That was Brown, who calmly approached his teammate, encouraged him and literally ran beside him and made sure he crossed in time. No more extra running for the Cubs.

Mutiny avoided.

"Malcom took charge of the moment," West said. "We're seeing him mature and grow up. It's very encouraging."

Brown has matured greatly on the field as well.

He was brought up the varsity as a freshman because "he had a ton of ability, but the maturity wasn't there," West said. "As a sophomore he made a big turn and made an impact. Last year he was dominant."

This season he should not only dominate but also lead and catch touchdown passes too.

Don't expect him to change his mind about Texas either. He's locked in, according to West and Bray.

According to Bray, Brown seemed bent to go wherever teammate and star linebacker Timothy Cole decided. Cole picked the Longhorns and that's where Brown decided also.

The duo hope the Cubs can repeat last year's 10-0 regular season but avoid a meltdown like they had in the first round of the playoffs, a 29-24 loss to Kingwood Park. The Cubs had six fumbles in the bitter season-ending loss.

This was after Brenham lost in the state 4A-2 finals.

The only item missing from Brown's resume is a state title.

"I've been head coach for 14 years and coached 20 overall," West said. "I've never coached someone who has been more dominate at the line of scrimmage."

Off the field, West describes Brown as "fun loving, but serious. He wants to accomplish great things."

Said Bray: "He's quiet and withdrawn. He doesn't brag or trash talk."

He just trashes opposing linemen and backs.