Servite’s Brown Says He Has Decided to Attend Nebraska

Servite High School’s Derek Brown, who broke the Orange County single-season rushing record last season, has made a oral commitment to attend Nebraska in the fall.

Brown ran for 2,301 yards in 1988. His 3-year career total of 4,663 yards is second only to Ray Palares of Valencia, who ran for 5,398 from 1983-85.

Brown said he had also considered USC, Missouri and Colorado and had narrowed his decision in the last couple of weeks to Nebraska and USC.

“The facilities (at Nebraska) and the people are nice, and the coaches seem to really care about their players,” Brown said. “I had a good feeling about the Nebraska coaches from the first time I met them.”

Part of Brown’s decision was based on playing time, which he feels is possible next year. Ken Clark returns at I-back next season at Nebraska after rushing for nearly 1,400 yards as a junior.

Backs Terry Rodgers, son of 1972 Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Rodgers, and Leodis Flowers also return at Nebraska. Rodgers missed most of last season with a knee injury.

“The coaches told me they weren’t sure that Rodgers would be back next season,” Brown said. “They said there was a possibility that I will see some time next year.”

But before Brown can start thinking about next season, he must meet the requirements of Proposition 48. The National Collegiate Athletic Assn. requires that incoming freshman must have a 2.0 grade point average and score at least 700 on the Scholastic Aptitude Test or 15 on the American College Test.

Brown said he has yet to take the SAT, having missed his first test date on Dec. 3 because of a mixup on the location of the testing site.

Brown said he will take the test on Jan. 28 at Lakewood High School.

“I checked that location out completely,” Brown said. “I’m sure I won’t have any problems. And, even if I do, I’ll have two more chances (to take the test). I’m not worried.”

Also making oral commitments this week were linebacker John Katovsich of Corona del Mar and offensive tackle Chris Lippincott of Edison.

Katovsich, who was named All-Southern Section, will attend Colorado. Lippincott will attend California.