Tampa's Anthony Brown will come to Purdue next season as a cornerback, and a highly regarded one as well, with a national position ranking by Rivals.com of 51.

But the 5-foot-11, 175-pounder has long had an interest in offense, having scored 15 touchdowns as either a slot receiver or running back in his senior season at Hillsborough High School. It's left him with some options once he becomes a Boilermaker.

"They've talked to me about offense or defense, to see whichever one I fit in best at," Brown said of the Boiler coaching staff.

"I feel like if the coaches ask me to do something, I'm going to go out there and do it. Any position, it doesn't matter. As long as I'm on the field, I'm happy."

It's that latter part that is of utmost importance. Although he didn't say so explicitly, Brown seems to have little interest in redshirting his freshman season. Instead, he wants to be on the field, and even though the Boilers return their top three cornerbacks, there's probably still room for a youngster or two to play.

Nickel back Normondo Harris is a possibility to move to safety, one would have to think, just to get the junior-to-be on the field more often.

"They've said they're be an opening," said Brown, who had a couple interceptions in 2011.

As of now, Brown's preparing for the track season and for signing day on Wednesday. He's ink with Purdue, after verbaling to the Boilermakers in August, choosing them over a handful of other BSC-level offers.

After Wednesday, Brown will look forward to his final high school track season. Last year, he competed in the 100- and 200-meter finals in the state track meet, running a 10.67 in the first and 21.60 in the second. He's also on Hillsborough 4x100 team, as well.

But along with track, he'll work on improving before arriving at Purdue in the summer, shortly after his high school graduate in June.

"I want to work on my footwork in particular," he said, "but generally just work out and stay in shape. But footwork is the main thing: foot work, foot work, foot work."

If he works hard enough, he might find his way to the field in 2012; that's his goal right now.

"I work hard," Brown said, "and I plan on being out there as a freshman making plays, either on offense or defense."

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