Could Jacurri Brown Be Miami's Future Quarterback?

What did the Rutgers game display about Jacurri Brown?

Author:
Brian Smith
Publish date:
Dec 29, 2023 7:45 AM EST

In this story:

After the disappointing 31-24 loss the Miami Hurricanes suffered against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Mario Cristobal and his coaching staff can probably see promise, and probably uncertainty, with redshirt-freshman quarterback Jacurri Brown.

Brown's performance is intriguing and makes one wonder how the Canes would do if he's given the chance to be the 2024 starting quarterback. Brown certainly shows the arm talent, athleticism, and ability to make difficult throws that an aspiring Hurricanes football program needs. The following two questions help to begin the process of examining Brown and his quarterback skills.

Can Brown take a huge step forward next season? How long would it take for him to truly develop into a dominant signal-caller?

Those are two of many other questions that one could ask and come up with several different answers. Quarterback play is complex, to say the least. With that, here's an overview of Brown's strengths and weaknesses as a quarterback by only looking at the Rutgers game.

First off, it's obvious that when Brown adheres to his passing techniques he's a capable passer. Not over or under-striding, a compact follow-through, etc. The end of the second quarter drive is an example of Brown believing in his passing technique, those players around him, and the coaching provided.

Watching him pick apart the Rutgers secondary, as well as being in tune with slot receiver Xavier Restrepo, and connecting with Isaiah Horton, cannot be overlooked. Examining the drive further paints a clearer picture of Brown's abilities when he's in a groove.

Starting at Miami's own 10, Brown shows the precision to connect with three consecutive out routes to Restrepo that kickstart the drive. Rutgers did not take away the outside passes, so Brown smartly kept taking the easy yards.

Then, finding Horton in a moment when the Canes must get yardage to help get into a better field position for a possible field goal is a great sign that he does not just lock into one player.

During the eight-play, 73-yard drive, Brown's passing numbers include going 4 of 5 passing, and 35 yards. That lone incompletion is Restrepo's touchdown being overruled. That's valuable data as well.

At that point in the game, Brown's confidence is something that had to be sky-high. Touch when needed, accuracy across the board, and good timing with Restrepo and Horton. Those are big-time quarterback qualities any Miami fan could gladly get behind. That also means one must evaluate the poor drives Brown led, like the ones outlined below.

During the combination of third and fourth-quarter drives, Brown and the Canes managed just 26 yards from 12 plays, all three drives ending in punts. Brown did not showcase the same accuracy and overall playmaking skills during those drives. Reverting to an inexperienced quarterback who lacks confidence perhaps? Hard to say for sure.

Overall, Brown's efforts versus Rutgers would be only the ninth time he's been playing quarterback at the college level. There's still plenty for Brown to learn before anyone truly knows how good he can be, and his passing statistics help prove that point.

Brown goes 20 of 31, 181 yards, 5.8 yards per attempt, 1 touchdown, and 1 interception. Then, there are Brown's attributes as a runner to think about if he's going to be Miami's future quarterback.

It's valuable to understand that he's a true dual-threat quarterback. Brown's speed and moves aid the Canes whenever his number is called or if he simply decides to take off. Few other college quarterbacks combine the size, arm, and athleticism of Brown.

Versus Rutgers, his running ability ends up with Brown rushing 15 times for 57 yards, a 3.8 average, and 2 touchdowns; that includes sacks working against his totals. Brown still needs more consistency as a quarterback overall, but the physical talent to run the football is not a concern.

In summary, could Brown be Miami's 2024 quarterback? Yes, he could. Would it likely be a perfect scenario? Not likely. For one, this is just a look at him from one contest. It's an interesting starting point though. Soon there will be more clarity about what happens with Miami and Brown moving forward.