Starkville – A. J. Brown knew where he wanted to go all along. He knew what he was about to do. He saw the reaction Kobe Jones got for choosing Mississippi State.
A.J. Brown talks to media after signing his letter of intent to Ole Miss over Mississippi State in Starkville. (Photo by: Collin Brister)
“I would like to thank everybody that came out, and for supporting me throughout this entire process, the recruiting process has it’s ups and downs, but I’m truly blessed to be put in this situation,” Brown said.
He took a deep breath.
“The next 3 or 4 years, I will be taking my talent to the University of Mississippi,” Brown said.
The room filled with cheers and applause again.
“I wanted to go to Ole Miss for a long time, I just had to go with my heart, go with my gut,” Brown said. “I knew it was going to be a big one, because I live in Starkville.”
Brown, from Starkville, the home of Mississippi State University, said the Bulldogs didn’t do an adequate job of recruiting him.
“I mean, I was going to stay, but I felt like (Mississippi State) didn’t do a good job of recruiting. I didn’t feel wanted to be honest,” Brown said. “I felt like other schools wanted me more. I mean I live in Starkville I would expect Mississippi State would be hard everyday here, I’d get tired of seeing them, but it wasn’t like that.”
Brown took his official visit to Ole Miss last weekend, and said it solidified his decision
“Just the relationship I built with the coaches, me talking to them numerous times, I felt wanted,” Brown said.
The Rebels having Chad Kelly and Shea Patterson on the roster was a definite benefit for the Rebels in garnering Brown’s signature.
“Those guys can sling it,” Brown said.
Brown also liked the idea of playing next to fellow Mississippi receiver D. K. Metcalf in the Ole Miss offense, which already featured a number of talented wideouts.
In addition to football, Brown said he will also play on the baseball at Ole Miss.
Brown was just relieved that the recruiting process was finally finished.
“To be honest, I’m glad it’s over with,” Brown said. “I’m ready to go back to square one and go to work.”
