Once a prized Vols recruit, UGA's Brown heads home

By Ken Sugiura

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Georgia wide receiver Marlon Brown is going home this weekend to Tennessee, but chances are the homecoming won't be so gentle. When Lane Kiffin became the Volunteers' coach last December, his first recruiting target was Brown, who was the state's top-ranked senior. However, on signing day, Brown spurned the Volunteers for Georgia. Brown, who has played in one game thus far, spoke about his progress and returning to Tennessee.

Q: How many times have you been to Knoxville?

A: I visited there my freshman year once and then I went to a basketball camp my sophomore year and then I went to a football game my sophomore year and went to some games in 11^th grade. I went two times my senior year. I've been a few times.

Q: How close do you think you are to contributing? (Offensive coordinator) Mike Bobo says you're almost there.

A: I'm almost there. I just have some small things to work on. I'll be good.

Q: What do you think it will be like running onto the field and seeing Lane Kiffin and others who recruited you?

A: It's going to be awkward. I'm not going to lie. It's going to be awkward. It's going to be hectic for one thing, from the fans and stuff.

Q: What if you go into the game?

A: I'm going to go in and produce, simple as that. I'm going to go in and do my assignment and do it full speed.

Q: What was Kiffin like recruiting you?

A: He was real cool. I liked him a lot. He was real cool.

Q: Was he different than other coaches?

A: He was different from (Georgia) Coach (Mark) Richt and (Ohio State) Coach (Jim) Tressel and (Notre Dame) Coach (Charlie) Weis and everybody else. He was more laid-back. Laid-back young guy. He's cool, can kick it.

Q: What did you think about him saying that your grandmother wouldn't let you go to Tennessee?

A: It was true. She wasn't comfortable with me going there. That's what it was.

Q: So would you have gone to Tennessee otherwise?

A: I really don’t know. I am not living in the past right now.

Q: How close was it between Georgia and Tennessee?

A: Real close. … But I am here now and I am happy.