via miamiherald.typepad.com

Having the opportunity to watch many of the athletes in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties when they begin playing football at the youth football level, the Miami Herald will shine the spotlight on many athletes during the spring and summer.

With the chance to see the athletes away from the football field as well, we can bring you up close and personal with some of the top prospects in the nation - right here in our own backyard.

PLAYER: Keith Brown
YEAR: 2012
SCHOOL: Norland
CITY: Miami
POSITION: LB
HEIGHT: 6-1
WEIGHT: 190
HEAD FOOTBALL COACH: Darryl Heidelburg

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: After an impressive sophomore season at Southridge, this quality football talent makes his move north and has already started to turn heads with his size, quickness and athletic ability.

Anyone who has had the opportunity to watch him play last year was sold on his physical play, speed and knowledge of the game. Coaches who competed against him were extremely impressed by the level he plays the game at.

Whether it's playing the run and or the pass, here is a linebacker who has certainly been able to pick things up quickly.

Having covered his father, Morris Atkins, when he played at North Miami Beach, there is a lot of things that Keith has taken from being around Atkins through the years. Colleges are already bowled over by what he brings to the football field.

HERALD STATEWIDE INFORMATION