American Heritage star Demari Brown wore an Alabama sticker on his helmet during last week’s playoff game. The 4-star corner has the Crimson Tide among its finalists alongside Florida State, Miami and Clemson
Photo by Joe Frisaro
PLANTATION, FLORIDA — As one of the top defensemen in his recruiting class, American Heritage cornerback Damari Brown is known for sticking to receivers like glue.
According to published statistics, Brown had defended 15 passes during the regular season. The lanky, 6-foot-1 cornerback has yet to record an interception, but that’s largely because teams aren’t throwing his way.
Listed as a 4-star recruit by 247, Brown’s shortlist of colleges is limited to Florida State, Miami, Clemson and Alabama.
Not to say he’s tipping his hand, but there was an Alabama sticker on the back of his helmet on Saturday.
Heritage has several Power 5-caliber players who don’t hide where they want to play college ball. For example, on the back of recipient Brandon Inniss’ helmet is an Ohio State decal.
Inniss has already committed to the Buckeyes, and that hasn’t wavered. But his Heritage teammate, running back Mark Fletcher, removed the Ohio State decal from the back of his helmet after announcing he had retired from Big 10 power.
Fletcher is weighing his options including the Miami Hurricanes, Florida Gators and the University of Tennessee.
Brown, meanwhile, remains one of the best untied cornerbacks in his class.
Alabama is obviously prominent in the picture for Brown’s services.
After Heritage defeated Boynton Beach 49-0 in Saturday’s Class 2M Region 3 playoff action, SB Live Sports asked Brown about his recruitment process.
“I was at the Mississippi State Game,” Brown told SBLive Sports on Saturday afternoon. “Maybe I’ll get to the Iron Bowl. That’s not confirmed yet.”
Brown visited the Crimson Tide on October 22 for their 30-6 win over Mississippi State. On Saturday, Alabama hosts Auburn in Tuscaloosa in the annual Iron Bowl.
This week, Brown prepares for Friday’s showdown between Heritage and Cardinal Gibbons.
Alabama plays Auburn on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
“My trial is coming to an end,” Brown said. “I’m looking for a school that suits me, on and off the field. scheme wise. System side. And set me up for it [school] Life.”
Along with Alabama, Brown last visited the Hurricanes on November 4th.
Alabama was very lucky to land defenders from American Heritage. Patrick Surtain II was part of the 2020 Crimson Tide National Championship team as well as a first-round pick for the Denver Broncos.
Current Alabama cornerback, freshman Earl Little Jr., was a teammate of Brown at Heritage. The two previously started together in the defensive backcourt.
Brown’s father, Selwyn Brown, played defensive end at the University of Miami and was part of the 1987 Hurricanes national title team. He also played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brown’s brother, Vomute Brown, is a cornerback at the University of Central Florida. Like Damari, Vomte also took part in Heritage.
Heritage has one of the best defenses in South Florida, and Brown — according to Max Preps stats — had 18 solos and 20 assists for a total of 38 tackles and one sack during the regular season. He was also credited with a fumbling recovery.
Defensively, the Patriots have logged four shutouts, and for the season they are outperforming their opponents 503-147.
Heritage (11-1) is the top seed in Class 2M Region 3. Their only loss was 42-34 to undefeated Chaminade-Madonna earlier in the season.
On Friday night, Heritage takes on rival Cardinal Gibbons, the second seed, in a rematch. The Patriots won the first meeting on October 1, 21-2.
Heritage defense dominated Saturday’s playoff win over Boynton Beach.
“We had to go out and set the tone,” Brown said after the game. “We’ve been training hard all week. I feel like this week the physicality was different. We’re in our playoff mode. Everyone is getting more and more nervous and somber.”