Countdown to Canes Football: No. 7 Davonte Brown
How quickly can the Miami Hurricanes establish a passing defense that’s one of the best in the country? After last season’s ups and downs, Mario Cristobal went to the Transfer Portal to add defensive talent, including today’s member of the Countdown to Canes list.
Who’s been discussed before today? Full Countdown to Canes Football List
Davonte Brown
Size: 6-foot-2, 185
Class: Senior
Position: Cornerback
Recruitment and Background
Brown was not a highly ranked prospect coming out of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage, at least by the recruiting services. However, his three official visits were Miami, Pittsburgh, UCF. The programs that recruited him told a different story. He chose to play for the Knights and quickly became a freshman starter. Brown has been improving each year since, and now heading into his senior season with Miami.
Here’s a look at his last two seasons in Orlando, before diving into Brown as a player and what he can bring to the Canes.
2021 UCF Statistics
Tackles: 38
Tackles For Loss: 2
Interceptions: 1
Pass Breakups: 13
2022 UCF Statistics
Tackles: 30
Tackles For Loss: 2.5
Interceptions: 2
Pass Breakups: 4
Brown’s Improvement
As a freshman, he started. That experience helps now, but also a rough first season in college football. In 2021, the rise began. The light came on versus Memphis, roughly around midseason, and Brown has become a different player since that time.
More aggressive with man coverage, mirroring wide receivers better, and flat out taking away passes. By the end of the 2021 season, Brown’s transformation was apparent. That also represents why his 2021 stats look better than those in 2022, especially with pass breakups.
Teams did not throw at Brown nearly as much in 2022. A badge of honor, if one will. He’s still getting better and better – whether in man or zone coverage – and can become a true big-time college No. 1 cornerback if Brown continues on this path.
Experience, size, quickness, and a penchant for continuing to improve his technique, Brown can be a go-to player for Miami this season, no question.
Taking On #1 Wide Receivers
Short and sweet, the majority of Miami’s 2023 opponents will feature a specific wide receiver they want to throw the football. Look for Brown to often be in a situation that allows him to take on that wide receiver.
Players like the 6-foot-7 Johnny Wilson from Florida State and the electric Evan Stewart from Texas A&M, both likely future NFL players, will likely be players Brown goes up against. Tough challenges. Brown has the skills to play with them and create havoc.
Now, Lance Guidry’s defense is multiple. Brown may not necessarily follow a specific receiver all around the gridiron. In many big situations, however, expect Brown to be on an island with the opposition’s best playmakers.
What Does Brown Do Best?
UCF ran a lot of zone and soft coverage last season. That probably did not help Brown all that much. He’s better when there’s more aggression and getting up on a wide receiver. Sure, he will get sometimes beat deep when playing aggressive man coverage. That's par for the course.
More often than not though, Brown does his job and prevents opposing players from getting open when he’s assigned man coverage. Miami needs more of that type of bulldog mentality for the defense overall. Brown brings that to the Canes. Many of Miami’s games could come down to big plays where Brown is singled up with a talented wide receiver.
Combined with his experience and natural skills, the above point is why Brown is the No. 7 player on the Countdown to Canes Football list. Miami needs him to take the lead and be a big-time cornerback. Brown has the skills to make that happen.
2023 Projection
Brown will be UM’s top cornerback and have special moments this season. He will earn his way into postseason awards. He’s been slept on by many of the national college football preview magazines. Canes fans should not do the same. Brown can play!
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