A long time coming
Tyler (TX) Lee cornerback Cortland Browning was one of Missouri's first out-of-state commitments in the 2011 class, and although he's been pursued by other colleges, his pledge to the Tigers hasn't changed.
The recruiting process went by fast, according to Browning, until he took his official visit to Missouri in the middle of December.
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"It's been going pretty slow since then," Browning said. "Really slow. I'm just ready to get there, can't wait to sign the papers and make it official."
Browning will have a signing ceremony at his school on Feb. 2. Until then, however, he's staying in close contact with Missouri and his recruiting coach, Barry Odom.
"We talk every week, like two or three times a week," Browning said. "We just have conversations about what's going on, not really about football all the time."
Missouri lost four members of its secondary following the 2010 season, and competition for playing time in 2011 should be fierce. Browning said he's aware of the attrition, and is ready to throw his name into the fight to see the field.
"I really want to be an all-around defensive back," the 6'1", 188-pound defender said. "I want to be a shut-down guy."
Until he arrives on campus in June, Browning said he's working on "everything." He's also setting goals for his freshman year.
"Playing time is a major goal," Browning explained. "If I don't make it, I just have to try a little harder, and keep praying to God. Just keep rolling. It's going to be exciting."
Browning said he's looking forward to carrying on Missouri's tradition of Texan Tigers. He said he knows most of Missouri's 2011 commitments from Texas, and also stays in touch with a few of the current players from the Lone Star State.
"Kip (Edwards), Little Murph (Marcus Murphy), I know those guys pretty well," Browning said.
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