Auburn upends Georgia for 5-star DT Derrick Brown

By foxsports
Published

Georgia and Auburn absolutely slugged it out against each other for elite 2016 defensive tackle prospect Derrick Brown. 

A Rivals.com 5-star prospect from Sugar Hill, Ga., he was arguably the top '16 target for Kirby Smart and the Georgia staff. While many thought Brown would stay in-state, he opted Wednesday to instead commit to and sign with Auburn.

It was a tale of two emotions for both programs. Gus Malzahn's program adds Brown to an already impressive collection of young defensive line talent on the roster (Byron Cowart, Nick Coe, Marlon Davidson, Antwan Jackson, Prince Tega Wanogho). 

As for Georgia, Smart took two trips to see Brown and his family via helicopter during the recruiting process. He in all likelihood would've been the centerpiece of the Bulldogs' class. 

As such, Smart will have to go back to the drawing board and look towards the 2017 class.