RB Brown, nation's No. 1 recruit, could still become Hurricane

Miami is still in the running for the nation's top unsigned high school recruit.

The adviser to top recruit Bryce Brown refuted a report Wednesday that stated Miami would withdraw its letter of intent to sign the prospect after it expired. It is merely a "formality" that Brown would be re-issued a letter of intent if he chooses to attend Miami, his adviser Brian Butler told CBSSports.com on Wednesday. The Associated Press reported Tuesday that Miami would not re-issue the letter of intent to Brown after it expired on Wednesday.

Responding to that report, Brian Butler said, "That's not what Bryce was told by coach (Randy) Shannon yesterday. He was very positive. We're very positive."

Butler is the adviser and trainer for Bryce, a Wichita (Kan.) East tailback considered by some recruiting services to be the No. 1 high school prospect in the class of 2009.

Even if the letter of intent expires, Butler said, Miami could re-issue a letter for Brown to sign. According to the National Letter of Intent website: If my parent/legal guardian and I fail to sign this NLI and I fail to sign the accompanying offer of athletics financial aid ... within 14 days after the date of issuance, it will be invalid. In that event, another NLI may be issued within the appropriate signing period.

The football signing period ends April 1.

"That's not even an issue for me," Butler said. "Bryce talked to coach (Randy) Shannon and he knows it's (new letter of intent) a formality."

Brown remains undecided on his school, having taken official visits to Missouri, Oregon, Clemson and Tennessee. He plans to take an unofficial visit to LSU on Feb. 27. A visit to Miami -- probably unofficial -- is reportedly scheduled for early March.

Butler also advised Bryce's brother, Arthur, who just completed his freshman season with the Hurricanes. Bryce committed to Miami last year, at the same time telling the school that he would take other visits. As of now, Bryce is expected to announce his school choice on March 16, Butler said.

Oregon, Clemson, LSU, Miami, Auburn, Tennessee, USC and Kansas State are still in the running for Brown's services, Butler said.