ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, December 26, 1995 TAG: 9512270029
SECTION: BOWL GUIDE PAGE: BG-10 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: RANDY KING STAFF WRITER
After wrapping up virtually every postseason honor within his grasp, Virginia Tech's Cornell Brown now tries to get a handle on the next obstacle facing him.
It's a hurdle that's not nearly so simple as planting another quarterback in the dirt.
Although he contends he'll likely return for his senior year at Tech, Brown says he hasn't completely ruled out the possibility of bolting early for the NFL.
The Hokies' fiercest defensive player since mighty Bruce Smith has until Jan.20 to decide whether to declare himself eligible for the 1996 draft.
While Brown strongly hints he'll return, the Hokies can't treat it as money in the bank. Remember, this is the same guy who shocked everybody, including his mother, when he chose Tech over Maryland coming out of Lynchburg's E.C. Glass High School in 1993.
How about it, Cornell? What can you tell us about the NFL?
``If things are right, I would consider it,'' Brown said of entering the April draft. ``I never discounted it.
``I always say there is a possibility, you know, because everyone thinks about it. If you're put in a situation where you have a chance to secure your lifetime dream, of course, it has to be a possibility.''
Although he's coming off a monster year of 14 sacks and 25 tackles for losses to rank third in NCAA Division I-A in both categories, it's Brown's numbers of 6-foot-2 and 246 that cast doubt on his future in the NFL.
Tech's fourth consensus All-American is not considered big enough to play his college position of defensive end in the pros. Brown figures to be cast as an outside linebacker if he plays football for a living.
``The NFL is looking for taller guys to play D-end, and I don't believe I'm going to get any taller at this point,'' Brown said. ``I'd definitely be more of a linebacker type. Since nobody has seen me play linebacker, they might feel like they would be taking a chance on somebody and something they don't know about.''
Brown said he asked the Tech coaches about a possible switch to linebacker before this season. Brown ultimately agreed with the consensus that the team would be better served with him at end, where he could unleash his marvelous pass-rushing ability.
Brown said he has discounted any thoughts Tech may accommodate a move to linebacker for 1996.
``Most [NFL] teams are going to look at me as an outside linebacker, which I can't show 'em in college because I'm not going to get that chance of playing outside linebacker,'' Brown said.
``I asked last year when we did kind of have a spot open [because of Ken Brown's departure], but [the coaches] didn't really want me playing it. It was no big deal. We had guys come in and perform well, so that's not really a question.''
Frank Beamer, Tech's coach, said he would be willing to confer with Brown on a possible position switch. Beamer, however, would prefer to keep his big quarterback-eater at rush end.
``The pro people pay a lot of money to people who can rush the passer,'' Beamer said. ``I think rushing the passer is what's going to earn him a lot of money one day.''
Brown noted there are factors to be weighed when he considers another year of college ball. First, improving on this season's superlative numbers will be tough. Second is the injury factor.
``Of course, you worry about coming back and getting hurt, not playing as well ... a lot of things like that,'' he said. ``Other teams are going to key on you. Improving yourself is going to be difficult.''
Brown said if he hears he might be drafted as high as the second or third round, it might prompt him to leave Tech.
``First round, second, third ... it's all great,'' he said. ``Just to be in the NFL ... that's something I've wanted as a child once I started playing the game. Watching [on TV] every Sunday, that was my dream, that's what I wanted to do.''
While New Orleans Saints scout Tom Marino said this year that if Brown comes out early ``he's nuts [and would be] making a bad mistake,'' the Hokies star said he will sit down after Tech's Dec. 31 the Sugar Bowl game against Texas on Sunday night and reach a decision.
Brown said he plans to consult a fellow who knows something about the NFL and his situation. The fellow is his big brother, Reuben, the Buffalo Bills' No.1 pick in this year's draft.
Reuben Brown, an offensive lineman, had an option to jump to the NFL after his 1993 junior season at Pittsburgh, but chose to stay in college and earn his degree.
``Reuben is somebody I really respect and he's somebody I feel will give me an honest answer,'' Brown said. ``He has nothing to gain, nothing to lose by telling me what he feels. I think that will be more of the word for me than anything anybody else can say.''
If big bro says stay in college, well, Cornell Brown can dig that, too.
``Coming back, I'll be able to play with guys I've been around the last three or four years and go out and continue to do something I love,'' Brown said. ``No job implications ... coming back and finishing my college degree
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