Could Browne be #1 ???

June 29, 2011

Pete Sampson
IrishIllustrated.com Editor

It caught Max Browne's attention even if it was nothing more than alphabetical order.

When the elite junior quarterback arrived at Notre Dame last week for a one-day camp the Irish program issued him jersey No. 1 for the passing session in front of nearly the entire coaching staff. Maybe it was just Browne's name popping up in alphabetical order. Maybe it reflected how Notre Dame views the 6-foot-5, 202-pound quarterback from Sammamish, Wash.

"Whether that was just because my name started with a 'B' I don't know," Browne said. "I'd say they gave a lot of quarterbacks a bunch of attention. There were a lot of good quarterbacks out there."

None had the early profile of Skyline High School's next standout. The program produced four-star quarterback Jake Heaps two years ago, the one-time Irish target signing with BYU and starting as a freshman last season. Four-star receiver Kasen Williams was next, the Washington legacy inking with the Huskies in February.

Browne arrived at Notre Dame with offers from Washington, Clemson, Utah, Cal and Wisconsin, which offered the day prior after a stop in Madison. Browne left South Bend unsure if the Irish would be next but clear of Notre Dame's interest.

West Coast recruiter Mike Denbrock has been on Browne, with the visit a first chance to meet offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Charley Molnar. Even without an offer, Notre Dame spent time explaining what the preferred landscape might look like with one.

"They mentioned that if they ever did offer me, they're well aware it means a lot if a quarterback commits early," Browne said. "They weren't pressuring me, but they talked a lot about how it sets the stage for a good recruiting class and I'd be helping Notre Dame football with its class. That's the case at any school, but they really preached that. You get a good quarterback, roll in some linemen, then get receivers too."

Browne could include tight end in that mix considering he spent time with target Adam Breneman on a campus tour. The Pennsylvania prospect is Notre Dame's top tight end target for the '13 cycle and already holds offers from Alabama and Michigan.

"I was able to get to know him a little bit and we exchanged some texts," Browne said. "He's a big-time prospect."

In addition to the stop in South Bend, Browne checked out Wisconsin and landed a Badgers offer. After Notre Dame, Browne headed to Ann Arbor, although with the Wolverines already holding a verbal commitment from a top '13 quarterback in Shane Morris, Michigan made the point it's already got its man.

"Michigan said they were kind of interested, but they have their commit and said they probably won't take a second guy but you never know," Browne said. "I liked Wisconsin and they basically said we'll protect you with a good offensive line and good running backs. You've gotta like that. Madison was a cool town, it seems like it would be fun to live there.

"All three are great schools and they all have plusses and minuses."

As for the workout at Notre Dame, Browne didn't give himself perfect marks but thought he performed well despite some rust. The experience of checking out the Irish program in person is something that figures to stick with him for the long haul.

"I didn't really know what to expect," Browne said. "I heard South Bend was a cool town. Obviously Notre Dame football is Notre Dame football. The facilities were really nice.