Interview: 2017 Florida 4-Star CB Latavious Brini has 36 Offers and Four Visits Set
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
One of the more interesting recruiting battles for top high school football players left uncommitted in the state of Florida is centered upon cornerback Latavious Brini. Brini has 36 scholarship offers from most of the top programs in the country but could still see his recruiting value soar even higher over the next couple of months as college coaches make a push to sign impact players to their 2017 recruiting class.
Mater Academy is 10-1 on the season after downing Cooper City 35-21 to open play in Florida’s 7A playoff. Helping lead the charge into the second round of the playoff against McArthur (Hollywood) is Brini. The 6-3, 190 pound, talent missed a couple of games this season with a labrum injury but is back in action ready to bring a trophy home to Mater Academy. In about half a season’s worth of work, Brini has compiled 25 tackles, a touchdown, and accounted for a safety, all before the playoffs.
Brini’s presence on the field not only changes the opposition’s play calling on passing downs but changes their focus on the run game too. Brini is a physical corner ready to take on the opposition’s best wide receiver. Unlike some corners, he does not mind coming up in support of the run ready to lower the boom on a running back or receiver coming around the end on a reverse or bubble screen.
Colleges love his play and ability to change the direction of the game. The list of coaches believing he is a difference maker is long but some of the top schools includes LSU, Florida State, Alabama, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida, Mississippi, Louisville, Wisconsin, USC, Oklahoma, Notre Dame, North Carolina, Nebraska, Mississippi State, West Virginia, and Miami.
Georgia thought they had the Hialeah Gardens talent wrapped up with his commitment on July 3. On Oct. 6, Brini opened his recruitment up but has not ruled the Bulldogs out with a scheduled visit to Athens on Jan. 20. Hurricane fans are hopeful the area product will stay home. Multiple unofficial visits to Miami has the Hurricanes in the mix.
In a Recruiting News Guru one-on-one interview, I caught up with Brini before Mater Academy took the field against Cooper City to get an overview on his season and recruitment to date.
Interview
Mater Academy is 9-1 this season with a first round game against Cooper City. How does the team look?
“We look pretty good. We are fired up.”
You’ve been limited with a labrum injury but have played well when on the field. How has your season gone when you’ve been able to play?
“I’ve played well. My shoulder was bothering me but I have not allowed any catches. I have dropped some interceptions. I’ve had a pretty good season.”
What have you improved upon?
“My tackling. I really have improved on coming up and making tackles. I’m better at tackling this season.”
What are the strengths of your game?
“Using my length and speed to reroute receivers, and not giving up on plays.”
Who is the toughest player you have gone up against over the past two seasons?
“Treyvon Brown. That was a battle.”
Is there a player at the next level you watch to learn more about the game?
“Patrick Peterson (Cardinals).”
How many offers do you have right now?
“Thirty-six.”
Wow. Of the schools that have offered, which ones are showing the most interest?
“UM (Miami), Oklahoma, Georgia, and Florida. There are a lot of schools that are showing interest. That is just off the top of my head.”
Have you taken any official visits yet?
“I’m taking one tomorrow to Oklahoma.”
What are you excited to see during your visit to Oklahoma?
“I want to see the atmosphere there. I want to see them get after it. I want to see how they get after it on the field against Baylor.”
Do you have any other visits planned?
“West Virginia is one. I’m not officially visiting Miami. That is my hometown school. I can go there anytime. I don’t mean that in a bad way. USC and Georgia are two other visits.”
Do you know which school will get your fifth and final visit?
I’m not sure yet on my fifth visit.”
A lot of people are speculating that you are a done deal heading to Miami. What would you like to say to those who are speculating that way?
“I’m open to the process. I am a Miami guy so people are going to think that way. I love Miami, it is a great school. They probably think I am going to Miami because I am in Miami.”
Have you set a commitment date yet?
“No.”
What will influence your final decision the most when you choose a school?
“Education is the main thing and the living environment.”
What has you most excited about playing college football?
“College football is the best thing ever, people really loving you for your game. I want to give kids that don’t have hope some hope. If they see you on TV succeeding, they can get some fire in their heart to do the same.”
Latavious, thanks for your time today. Good luck throughout the playoffs and with your official to Oklahoma.
“Thank you.”
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Photo credit: scout.com; Latavious Brini at Mater Academy.
Photo credit: twitter.com; Latavious Brini at practice.