Three-Star WR Lavon Brown Talks Recent Oregon Visit
New Oregon wide receiver coach Junior Adams thinks he might have a real catch in Lavon Brown, a 3-star 2023 wide receiver from Sierra Canyon High in Chatsworth (Calif.).
The On3 Consensus ranks Brown, who visited Eugene in late January, as the nation’s No. 106 wide receiver and the 52nd best player in the Golden State.
ScoopDuck got together with Brown to discuss his background and his recruiting process.
Brown grew up all around Southern California.
“I was born in Orange County,” he said. “Then I came out to Long Beach, Anaheim and Riverside.
“My family and I traveled a lot. We went out to Vegas trying to find an opportunity, and that’s exactly what we did.
“And I thank the Las Vegas Wildcats for making that opportunity happen when I was younger.”
Brown was a dual-sport athlete growing up.
“Coming into middle school,” he said, “that’s when I started playing basketball. I’m actually good at it, but when I got to high school I started getting offers and stars.
“So I had to settle in on football.”
Nelson has been involved in sports since preschool.
“I got into football and basketball at 4 years old,” he said. “Football has always been my favorite sport.’
“My mom put me in a league early as a dual athlete, because she wanted to make sure I wasn’t lazy or nothing.”
When did he start to realize he might be really good?
“Around 8 years old, in my first tackle football game,” he said. “Nobody really knew me in the team, and they put me in on kick return.
“And I scored on the first play I ever made in football.”
Nelson made an impact early by playing many different positions.
“That’s when everyone really said, ‘Damn this kid is really it.’ So that’s when the hype started building up.
”I was actually a running back in youth, a cornerback as a freshman and eventually built up to the receiver position.”
In what areas is he most confident?
“My route-running is an elite part of my game,” he said. “I love breaking my opponent down and getting into my route so I can make my quarterback look good.
“I have strong hands. I’m very explosive and may not be the fastest, but I can run with anyone for sure.”
Brown was in Eugene on Jan. 22.
“It was amazing,” he said. “It was good watching the players practice and getting an opportunity to see what that college life is about.
“The facilities are amazing; the Marcus Mariota facility is great. So it’s just good to see everything for the first time, because I have never seen that stuff.”
Nelson doesn’t have any future visits to Oregon locked in, but he’s looking forward to returning one more time.
“I am definitely trying to go there one more time before I make my decision,” he said.
What has it been like talking to the Oregon coaches?
“Very chill and mellow,” he said. “They talk to me like they want me to come (to Eugene).
“What I really want from a coach is honesty. I’m just trying to find the best spot for me.”
Brown has a solid relationship with the new offensive coordinator.
“I have a close relationship with coach (Kenny) Dillingham,” he said, “because he was messing with me back when he was at FSU.”
Most of Brown’s recruiting has focused on the West Coast.
“Colorado State, Washington, Arizona and Utah all have been talking to me,” he said.
Brown said he is looking for a family atmosphere.
“I want to see how a college can provide for me and my family,” he said. “I just want to be able to move my family out with me and show them what they never saw before.
“I want them to be able to come to a college game and take my mom on a few visits as well.”
Does he have a timeline for his decision?
“I want to take a few more visits,” he said, “then make my decision at the end of May.”
