Ducks Digest

Zabien Brown Breaks Down Top Four Schools, Decision Timeline

Zabien Brown is one of the top cornerbacks in his class and has the Ducks as a finalist.

Max Torres

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Zabien Brown is one of the top defensive backs in the country and has some of the biggest names in college football recruiting him to their schools.

On Sunday, the 2024 cornerback out of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei released a top four of Oregon, USC, Ohio State and Alabama.

Ducks Digest stopped by Mater Dei on Wednesday to get the latest from Brown as he takes a big step in his recruitment.

Why was now the right time to trim his list?

"Just cause I feel like I'm a pretty straightforward dude," the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder said. "Kind of just got the sense of what I felt was right for me and I just pulled the trigger I guess."

He broke down why each of the four schools made the cut.

USC offers a comfortable, familiar vibe

"I just feel like I have a really good connection with the coaches so far. When I'm up there I always feel welcome and comfortable. Especially like being all the guys that I already know up there--either played with or against, just kind of felt a little natural."

"I talk to Coach Donte (Williams), Coach Gavin (Morris). I know Bookie's (Bookie Radley-Hiles) over there now, so I chop it up with him too. Player-wise, really everybody who went here (Mater Dei) that I got a good connection with."

Development and relationships keep Oregon in the mix

"I feel like I got a good connection with Coach Meat (Demetrice Martin) and (Rashad) Wadood. They're from out here so they kind of personally know what it's like and kind of easier to relate to. I like the way they develop their guys. Seeing Gonzo (Christian Gonzalez) go and Khyree (Jackson) going over there, I just like the way that they handle their business with those type of guys."

Strong tradition drawing Brown to Tuscaloosa

"I got a good relationship with their coaches too. The history that they have over there and just the level of competitiveness. Obviously they put guys out there. I would say I'm just real attracted to the competition over there."

Brown has been able to visit Alabama and recalled what stood out.

"The rich culture they got over there. The winning culture. It's just kind of relatable to being over here at Mater Dei."

The talented Southern California standout has never visited Ohio State but has liked the Buckeyes since he was a child.

Brown on Ohio State interest

"Ever since I was little I liked that school over there. Once they offered me I knew that that was pretty much gonna be in my top schools. 

"The culture they bring over there. I'm really excited to get out there and really see what it's really like out there. Again the competition over there. The guys, the receivers they got over there, I know that that's definitely a big part of getting better, going against the best competition."

Next up for Brown is a slew of visits to see his finalists over the next few months, including multiple trips to Columbus.

"I'm getting out to Ohio State with some of my SFE (South Florida Express) guys April 1-3. Getting back out there with my family during spring break I think like the 12th and 13th. 

"I know I'm getting out to Oregon for a practice in April and Bama--out to a practice too."

Following those trips his attention will turn to his official visits, which he's aiming to knock out sooner rather than later.

"From there I'm pretty sure I have my officials," Brown said. "I'm not sure exactly which dates. I know I'm pretty much getting my officials done in June."

Lastly, the Mater Dei standout laid out his timeline for a commitment. 

"Most likely I'm looking at trying to get it done before the season," he said. "If I feel like it's not time or I'm not sure then probably any time after. I would say I'm shooting for timeline-wise before the season."

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Max Torres
MAX TORRES

Max Torres is the publisher and lead editor of Ducks Digest. He's covered the Oregon football and recruiting beats for four years. He's based out of Long Beach, CA and travels around Southern California and the country covering top high school football prospects.

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