Justin Brent is just a sophomore, but he’s already getting serious looks from colleges in two sports.
The 6-foot-3, 193-pound prospect from Indianapolis’ Speedway High School is being targeted by college programs in both football and basketball.
“For football, I’m getting looked at by Louisville, Notre Dame, Arkansas, Minnesota, Illinois, Cincinnati, Kentucky, Oregon, Florida State, Tennessee, Michigan and Pitt,” the 2014 prospect said.
“In basketball, I’m getting looked at by Indiana State, Ball State, Georgia Tech and IUPUI.”
Brent followed up a breakout freshman season when he caught 37 passes for 544 yards and nine touchdowns with 40 receptions for more than 800 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, including one 262-yard, four-touchdown performance. He also averaged 13.8 points and seven rebounds for a Speedway hoops team that claimed a sectional championship this past season.
He’s managing to pull double-duty in terms of handling the recruiting process right now.
“I never rule out doing both in college. I know that’s very tough, but who knows what could happen.”
He worked out for the Indiana State basketball program earlier this week and will be at Notre Dame this weekend.
“They came by about two months and said they were interested,” Brent said of the Irish coaches. “They’ve been sending me stuff about getting up for camps or going up for a visit. I’m finally going to return the favor and come for a visit this Saturday for the spring game.”
He’s excited about his first trip to campus.
“I am looking forward to it,” he said. “Everybody around here says they love Notre Dame, so I’m excited to get down there and see what everything is like.”
He’s done a little bit of research himself.
“I know they have great tradition,” he said. “I’ve caught myself Googling Notre Dame and seeing everything on Wikipedia. It’s crazy to go down there now after watching them a lot. I was watching them play USC earlier this year.”
Brent combines his frame with athleticism that serves him well on the basketball court and speed.
“I’d say my height and hands,” said Brent when asked what sticks out about his game on the gridiron. “Recently I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I’m not the fastest guy, but I am pretty fast. I do a lot. I’m good at route-running. I can do a lot, but I really can’t say.”
It’s early, but Brent’s priorities are in order in terms of evaluating colleges.
“I want to major in either business management or broadcasting,” he said. “School always comes first because you never know what can happen with sports. Other than that, you want to be somewhere comfortable and where they want you.”
