Redshirt freshman quarterback Jacurri Brown presents both potential and concern for Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff following the Miami Hurricanes’ heartbreaking 31-24 loss to the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Given his impressive performance, one has to wonder how the Canes would fare if Brown were given the opportunity to start at quarterback in 2024. Brown undoubtedly possesses the arm strength, athleticism, and throw-difficulty abilities that the future of the Hurricanes football team will require. The investigation into Brown’s quarterbacking abilities can be started with the help of the next two questions.
Can Brown advance significantly in the upcoming season? How much time would it take him to become a truly proficient signal-caller?
These are just two of the numerous questions that might be asked and a variety of responses could be provided. To put it mildly, quarterback play is complicated. This concludes our analysis of Brown’s quarterbacking strengths and flaws based solely on the Rutgers game.
To begin with, it’s clear that Brown is a competent passer when he follows his passing routes. Not too aggressive nor too timid, a succinct follow-through, etc. Brown demonstrates his confidence in his passing style, the players surrounding him, and the coaching during the drive at the end of the second quarter.
It’s impossible to ignore how well he connects with Isaiah Horton, is attuned to slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, and picks apart the Rutgers secondary. A closer look at the drive reveals more about Brown’s capabilities when he’s clicking.
The drive is started at Miami’s own 10, where Brown displays the accuracy to connect on three straight out routes to Restrepo. Brown wisely continued gaining the easy yards because Rutgers did not stop the outer passes.
The fact that he finds Horton when the Canes need yardage to improve their field position in the hopes of making a field goal is further evidence that he does not simply lock onto one player.
In the eight-play, 73-yard drive, Brown completed 4 of 5 passes for 35 yards in throwing. Overruling Restrepo’s touchdown is the result of that one incompletion. That’s also useful information.
Brown’s confidence had to be at an all-time high at that stage in the game. All round precision, excellent timing with Restrepo and Horton, and touch when necessary. These are elite quarterback attributes that any Miami supporter would be happy to support. This implies assessing the subpar drives Brown led, such as the ones listed below.
Brown and the Canes managed just 26 yards from 12 plays during the combined third and fourth quarter possessions, all of which resulted in punts. During those drives, Brown did not have the same level of accuracy and playmaking ability. Going back to a nervous, inexperienced quarterback, maybe? It’s difficult to say for sure.
In all, Brown’s performance against Rutgers would mark just his eighth collegiate quarterbacking experience. Brown’s passing statistics support the idea that he still has a lot to learn before anyone fully realizes how terrific he can be.
Brown completes 20 out of 31 passes for 181 yards, a 5.8 yard average, one touchdown, and one interception. If Brown is to become Miami’s quarterback in the future, there are other considerations to make regarding his running style.
Realizing that he is a genuine dual-threat quarterback is important. Brown helps the Canes whenever his number is called or he just feels like taking off thanks to his quickness and agility. The combination of Brown’s stature, arm, and athleticism is rare among collegiate quarterbacks.
In the end, Brown’s running ability allows him to rush 15 times for 57 yards, a 3.8 average, and two touchdowns versus Rutgers; however, sacks are deducted from his totals. Brown’s athletic ability to run the football is unquestionable, but he still needs to be more consistent as a quarterback overall.
To sum up, is Brown going to be Miami’s quarterback in 2024? He could, indeed. Would that really be the best case scenario? Not very likely. First of all, this is only one contestant’s view of him. Still, it’s an intriguing place to start. More information regarding what happens with Miami and Brown going forward will soon be available.
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