Georgia Bulldogs

Despite staff overhaul, five-star DT Derrick Brown still likes Auburn

Published Jan. 13, 2016 2:08 p.m. ET

foxsports

When defensive coordinator Will Muschamp left Auburn after only one season with the team, it would be understandable if the Tigers top defensive prospects in recruiting dropped their level of interest in joining the team. However that hasn't been the case for elite defensive tackle Derrick Brown.

A five-star prospect and the No. 1 prospect from the state of Georgia according to 247Sports Composite ratings, Brown has narrowed his list to a final five of Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and Mississippi State. The recruiting dead period officially ends Wednesday at midnight and Brown's first official visit following the dead period will be to Auburn this weekend.

According to AuburnSports.com, the relationship between Brown and Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner may be the key factor is the Tigers gaining the defensive tackle's signature on National Signing Day:

“I talked to Coach Garner (Tuesday night) and he’s looking forward to us visiting,” Brown said. “I haven’t seen him since recruiting went dead (Dec. 13). He was here the last day before the dead period so I’m looking forward to seeing him again. Coach Garner’s relationship with my mom and dad and my family is real strong.”

Brown plans to officially visit Georgia the weekend of Jan. 22 and Tennessee the following weekend of Jan. 29 just prior to signing day. The five-star prospect intends to declare his intentions Feb. 3, aka National Signing Day.