Five star wide receiver from Florida choosing between Ohio State and in-state schools as he commits this week

In today's college football recruiting landscape it's become much more common for top programs from around the country to go into Florida and steal all their best recruits. However, one five star wide receiver may buck that trend and actually end up staying in his state unless he chooses to go with the most recent standard for "WR U" instead.

Vernell Brown III, a five star wide receiver recruit from Orlando, Florida is set to announce his commitment next week and it is reportedly down to just four schools. Florida State, Florida, Miami (FL), and Ohio State are the final four among over 40 FBS schools to have officially offered Brown.

A bit undersized early on in his recruitment, Brown didn't rise quickly up recruiting boards until the spring of 2023, but his hype has been building steadily over the last year. Why are so many schools and all the major recruiting services so impressed now? And will he actually take his talents somewhere in Florida or head up north to play for Ryan Day and the Buckeyes?

Vernell Brown III, Five Star Wide Receiver

Brown may have been a bit small and slight early in high school, but he's always been one of the most explosive receivers in the country. He's made it to state twice in the triple jump (track event), has returned several kicks and punts for touchdowns, and averages about 20 yards per reception throughout his high school career. And on top of all his on-field high school success, his 7-on-7 track record has been perhaps even more impressive.

Related: Top five star defensive back recruit set to commit to Ohio State, Oregon, or surprise college football program

Vernell Brown and the South Florida Express absolutely dominated the OT7 Championships earlier this summer, destroying the Coastline Stars 37-21 in the finals. For those unfamiliar, the OT7 Championship brings together all the most loaded 7-on-7 teams from around the country, an event stacked with the best skill position and defensive back talent in the nation. Brown was one of the MVPs for his team as he and quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. were nearly unstoppable.

Ever since he began destroying opponents at 7-on-7 and recruiting circuit events he's been a non-stop riser up recruiting boards. When he gets in space--and he ends up there often--Brown is hard to slow down or stop in any way as evidenced by his more than 1300 receiving yards last fall. It's no wonder every single college football program in the country wants him.

Predicted Landing Spot for Brown

As mentioned already, he's played quite a bit of football with South Florida Express quarterback Tramell Jones Jr. as 7-on-7 teammates. Jones happens to be committed to Florida State (and has been for some time). Many believe that tie will be enough to seal the deal making him a Florida State Seminole. Some of what the two young players have done together this summer would certainly lead one to believe that. Just check out Jones and Brown leading an entire offense of recruits at a Florida State event in the post below.

However, it's far from a done deal that Brown goes to Florida State. In fact, at the On3 Elite Series event in May, Brown shared with On3Sports that he told Gators coaches "it would mean more" if he were to go to Gainesville. Why? Several reasons, but the most significant being personal. His father played defensive back for the Gators from 2001 to 2005, seeing action in over 40 games back then. And now his father is actually Anthony Richardson's manager. The Gators certainly have a personal edge or two with Brown.

But don't completely count out Miami or Ohio State. He's visited Miami more than any other school except for the Florida Gators. And despite Ohio State constantly winning wide receiver battles on the recruiting trail in most years, they have yet to sign their true "alpha" for the 2025 class. Brown could be the face of the Ohio State offensive class alongside five star quarterback Tavien St. Clair who could actually end up ranking as the top overall recruit in the country.

In the end, all the personal ties, comments, and visits with the Florida Gators likely land him in Gainesville, but don't be surprised if Mike Norvell or wide receiver guru Brian Hartline steal him away at the last second given their track records in wide receiver development.

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And if you want to watch some Vernell Brown III highlights to see what he could bring to your favorite college football team you can check out the video below!