Son of Former Titans Star Opts for Volunteer Baseball in Bold Move
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — In a significant recruiting coup for the Tennessee Volunteers, Blaine Brown—the son of former Tennessee Titans running back Chris Brown—has officially committed to join head coach Tony Vitello’s baseball program this Thursday. The announcement adds another talented two-way player to the roster and strengthens the Volunteers’ ambitions for the upcoming collegiate baseball seasons.
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⚾ A Familiar Name, A New Game
Blaine Brown isn’t just another player in the baseball recruitment pool—he brings a recognizable legacy to Rocky Top. His father, Chris Brown, was a household name in Tennessee sports during his days as a running back. Drafted in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Chris played five seasons with the Titans, rushing for over 3,000 yards and posting a career-high 1,067 yards with six touchdowns in his rookie year . That legacy injects a special narrative into Blaine’s journey.
But Blaine’s commitment isn’t based on family ties alone—it’s backed by genuine talent and performance. During his freshman season at Rice University, he showcased his ability both at the plate and on the mound. He posted a respectable .292 batting average, complemented by a .362 on-base percentage and .493 slugging, and belted 10 home runs. His plate prowess was paired with solid speed, as evidenced by five stolen bases . Additionally, he landed on the first-team All‑AAC roster and earned AAC all-freshman team honors, excelling in seven pitching appearances .
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Tennessee’s Two-Way Trend
Under Vitello’s leadership, Tennessee baseball has increasingly embraced the two-way player model. Just days earlier, former Bowling Green athlete DJ Newman—a right-handed pitcher and outfielder—pledged to the Vols, marking another boost to the roster’s versatility .
The recruitment of Newman and now Brown reflects a strategic trend. Vitello and his staff clearly value players who can contribute both offensively and on the mound—a dual-threat approach that can create matchup challenges for opponents, deepen pitching benches, and add lineup flexibility.
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A Promising Freshman Year at Rice
Though Brown was fresh out of high school last year, his freshman showing at Rice underscored both maturity and potential. He made 38 runs batted in, collected 12 doubles, and logged seven relief outings on the mound .
Rice faced off against Tennessee earlier this season, giving Vols fans an early glimpse of Brown’s potential. He started that game on the mound, allowing just two runs before exiting in the first inning, then contributed offensively with a double in a 1-for-2 batting line . Though he only made a brief appearance, that outing gave Vitello firsthand insight into Brown’s composure and capability.
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️ What Blaine and Vitello Said
Blaine Brown’s official announcement came through social media:
> “Committed ”
— @blainebrown_24, June 26, 2025 .
Rice beat reporter Joe Doyle added context in his own post, identifying Brown as a Top‑40 draft prospect for 2027 who delivered ten home runs and five stolen bases during his freshman season . Doyle’s description painted Brown as a high-upside talent with exciting future potential.
Tony Vitello has consistently expressed his excitement about incorporating talented two-way players. While he hasn’t released a detailed statement specifically on Brown’s commitment, recent rhetoric about this style of player suggests he’ll find a significant role for him—whether as a starter, situational pitcher, regular outfielder, or even a hybrid role.
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Strategic & Roster Implications
Brown’s addition carries multiple strategic advantages:
1. Two-Way Weapon
He boosts both pitching depth and offensive output—an invaluable blend that strengthens overall team performance.
2. Draft Stock
Being considered a Top‑40 candidate for the 2027 MLB Draft indicates a player with pro potential, raising Tennessee’s profile as a launch-point for future MLB prospects.
3. Recruiting Momentum
Landing a player with legacy ties and proven collegiate performance reinforces the Vols’ reputation for securing high-quality talent, further boosting recruiting momentum.
4. Lineup Options
His 10-homer freshman campaign and speed suggest he could slot into the lineup anywhere from middle to lower-order, while still providing pitching depth.
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Family Legacy, But Own Identity
Though his dad’s pro football legacy looms large, Blaine is forging his own path on the diamond. His commitment reflects both personal ambition and gratitude toward Rice for his freshman development. Now, Tennessee offers a platform to elevate that journey, under trusted coaching and in a competitive SEC environment.
He enters an arena where Vols baseball has been thriving—Tennessee continues to produce draft-ready talent and sustain postseason success. His commitment continues that trajectory and adds another dynamic variable to Vitello’s lineup options for years to come.
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What Lies Ahead
Tennessee fans will be watching how Brown transitions from Rice to Rocky Top. Early fall workouts and pitching sessions could shape his role—whether he comes in as a reliever, rotation candidate, situational pitcher, or bench bat. His adaptability may also allow calibrated use in matchups favorable for left-handed hitters or arms.
Heading into the 2026 season, it’s likely Vitello integrates Brown into both pitching and batting drills. Spring 2026 will reveal how he meshes with upperclassmen and what path Vitello charts for him. Expect judicious usage early on, with gradual elevation as the coaching staff gauges his readiness.
Vitello’s recruiting win is a projection of what Tennessee baseball stands for: ambitious, versatile talent positioned for development and success in the modern game. Brown’s signing is a strategic step that wraps legacy, performance, and potential into a compelling package.
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Final Take
Blaine Brown’s commitment to Tennessee baseball carries symbolism and strategy in equal measure. He brings talent, legacy, and versatility—all components that align with Tony Vitello’s vision. As the Vols gear up for another run in the SEC and beyond, Brown provides a chance to flex depth and two-way strength.
With the momentum generated by recent recruits like DJ Newman, Tennessee’s roster is shaping into a dynamic, layered unit. Brown’s arrival adds punch, potential, and pedigree—positioning him, and the Vols, for what could be an electrifying next chapter on Rocky Top.
The coming months will reveal exactly how Vitello deploys this latest piece, but one thing is clear: Volunteers baseball just got a whole lot more interesting.
