“They’re definitely in the mix. I’ll keep them up there. (I like) the fan base. The new coaching staff seems tremendous. They’re good on relationships.
“They seem like they’re enjoying it over there. I like it.”
The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Brown said he spent time with “the whole coaching staff,” including Tennessee defensive backs coach
Willie Martinez, defensive coordinator
Tim Banks and Heupel himself. Brown said he came away impressed by the Vols’ new staff.
“It’s great, man,” he said. “Great energy. I love it. They’ve got all the energy, man. I’m telling you, they’re building something nice over there.
“They traveled everywhere with me. Coach Heupel and Coach Banks — we were with the whole coaching staff. They were in our photo shoot and everything. It was great. We really felt the hospitality.
“Me and Coach Martinez clicked on a different level. Most of the time, I was probably with him.”
Brown had been to Tennessee before to attend one of the Vols’ camps more than two years ago, during former coach Jeremy Pruitt’s tenure. But Brown said he still was impressed by his latest look at Tennessee’s campus and facilities.
“Beautiful campus, man,” he said. “They’re adding a lot. They’re rebuilding a lot — not just staff, but the facility. They’re building a lot. It looks nice.”