Gators legacy Vernell Brown III doing ‘everything well’ for Orlando Jones
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Florida Gators legacy Vernell Brown III has a name fans recognize — and a game they’re likely to love. In the words of Elijah Williams, Brown’s coach at Jones High, “He does everything well.”
Brown, listed at 5-foot-10.5, 165 pounds, is the No. 55 recruit in Florida for the On3 Industry and a big Gators target for 2025. He is having a stellar season for Jones. Brown currently has 30 catches for 476 yards and five touchdowns after six games.
Brown’s father, Vernell Brown Jr., played cornerback for Florida from 2001-05 and appeared in 45 games. He once was dubbed the “face of Florida Football” by former Gators coach Urban Meyer.
Vernell Brown Sr. played multiple positions for the Gators in the 1980s.Two other family members also played for Florida, including his great-uncle, Johnell Brown.
Vernell Brown Jr., like his son, was an offensive star in high school. He played quarterback at Gainesville High before heading to Florida.
“I think he’s taller than his dad, so that’s one thing,” Williams said of Brown III. “I think they’re kind of the same but he’s taller.”
Vernell Brown III is putting up big numbers this season
Brown probably could play either receiver or defensive back in college, but he seems likely to be on offense at the next level. At Jones, Williams, a former Gators running back and cornerback, has been impressed with Brown.
“He’s playing outstanding” Williams said. “We can put him at multiple positions. Even (defensive back), punt returner, kick returner, he does everything. I think (his future) is whatever he chooses. He’s a lockdown corner, he can play inside or outside. At receiver, he brings something. Because of his size, you put him in the slot and he’ll be real tough to put your hands on him in that slot.”
Florida isn’t alone in recruiting Brown. He holds offers from programs across the country, including Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State.
“Any school is gonna be looking at him. And he’s one of the top academic kids at our schools also,” Williams said. “He’s a leader. Even though he’s a junior he’s a vocal leader. He goes full speed and actually shows these kids how you practice. He doesn’t come out here jogging. Everything he does is full speed.”
The best thing about Brown might be that there still is room for improvement.
“A point of emphasis for us is him grasping some of our offense’s small things, like spacing on certain routes,” Williams said. “And that just comes with time. He knows the routes, but your spacing and your splits are crucial to the play. That just comes with being here more and just doing it more.”
While Brown primarily is an offensive playmaker at Jones, Williams said Brown has the ability to help the team at multiple positions as it gets deeper into the season.
“Some games down the line we’re going to need him to play both ways,” Williams said. “You’ve got to put your best players on the field. If we’ve got a position where we’re hurting, we know he can do it.”
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