Royal Palm Beach High School senior defensive back Da’Von Brown set lofty expectations for himself and his future school months before his Florida Atlantic football career even begins.

“I want to be a freshman all-american, I want to lead the team in interceptions and in tackles,” Brown said. “I want to beat Florida, I want to beat Miami, all the big teams we play.”

Throw away the keys! Lock em down Brown has signed! Welcome Da’Von! @dbdavon #WinToday pic.twitter.com/3uzUus0TEr

— FAU Football (@FAU_football) February 3, 2016

Brown was at the Florida Atlantic versus Miami game on Sept. 11 of 2015. Though the Owls fell short 44-20, he was quickly sold that FAU was the school for him.

“After that Miami game, I felt we could do something great at FAU and I just wanted to be part of something big and great,” Brown said.

On top of the program’s improvement and the proximity to his hometown of Belle Glade, Florida, Brown’s individual goals helped make FAU a perfect fit, according to the defensive back. He said he loves the fact that head coach Charlie Partridge gives his freshmen the chance to play immediately rather than making them wait until their junior year.

Some of the other schools interested in Brown included Cincinnati, North Carolina State and Georgia. Brown said that Nebraska contacted him two days prior to National Signing Day to sway him to be a Cornhusker, but Brown had no doubt that FAU was his pick.

He believes the biggest reason schools wanted him is his experience and versatility.

During Brown’s high school football career, he played quarterback and wide receiver, as well as defensive back. The only reason he started playing cornerback was because it was the only open position on his team.

Brown would go on to lead Palm Beach County in interceptions and returned four for touchdowns.

“I got really good at [defensive back] and loved it,” Brown said. “A lot of corners play one position. I can play nickel, I can play safety, I play everything … I played receiver, so I know what the receiver can run based off how they line up.”

Since Brown is familiar with the receiver position, he enjoys talking trash to opposing wide receivers he’s lined up against.

“Like Richard Sherman, I talk trash but back it up, I like to get in their head. But I’m physical like [Darrelle] Revis.”

Brown believes that a combination of talent will win him a starting gig next season, but if not, he won’t let that get him down.

“I won’t give up. I’m going to still fight like I’m a starter, still act like I’m a starter,” he said. “I come ready. I’m ready to start, I’m ready to make a big impact. I’m ready.”

Our recruiting recap will continue on Monday with Bradley Clement.

Brendan Feeney is the sports editor of the University Press. To contact him regarding this or other stories, he can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter.