Jacurri Brown stepped onto Miami’s campus as a four-star dual-threat with budding potential. Unfortunately, that potential remains untapped after two seasons with Hurricanes. After reading the writing on the wall, Brown entered the transfer portal and looked for a new home. Which landing spots make the most sense?
Landing Spots for Jacurri Brown
Brown played in eight games with two starts as a true freshman in 2022, completing 60% of his passes for 230 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. Those passing numbers are uninspiring, but he did rush for 223 yards, which was the third most on the team.
He redshirted last season but started in the Pinstripe Bowl against Rutgers, throwing for 181 yards, one TD, and one INT, adding 57 yards and two scores on the ground.
With starter Tyler Van Dyke off to Wisconsin, there was a brief period of time where it seemed Brown would be able to battle for the QB1 job. However, Miami brought in Washington State star Cameron Ward. By the time the Hurricanes’ spring game came around, Brown was the fourth-string signal-caller behind Emory Williams and Albany transfer Reese Poffenbarger.
When the spring portal opened, Brown decided to take his talents elsewhere, along with teammates Henry Parrish, TreVonte’ Citizen, Nyjalik Kelly, and Logan Sagapolu. But where will he end up?
Auburn Tigers
Bryan Harsin’s staff recruited Brown out of high school, and while that regime is gone, Hugh Freeze and Co. should still have interest in the Georgia native. Payton Thorne is a fine — if insipid — QB1, but there is a lack of talent behind him. Brown would correct the issue from Day 1 and provide Freeze with a pivot option if Thorne fails to continually move the chains.
Georgia Bulldogs
OC and QBs coach Mike Bobo recruited Brown during his lone season at Auburn in 2021. But beyond the connection, the Bulldogs could also use a QB to challenge Gunner Stockton for the No. 2 job behind Carson Beck with true freshman Ryan Puglisi injured.
Not only could Brown win the backup role, but he could set himself up to be the starter in his last two years of eligibility.
Georgia State Panthers
The Panthers offer Brown the ability to start in 2024 — in his home state, no less. Darren Grainger is gone, leaving a sizable hole at the QB position, one former Georgia Tech and Akron passer Zach Gibson is slated to fill. Brown is an immediate upgrade and could use a year or two of dominating Group of Five competition to bounce back to a prestigious program.
West Virginia Mountaineers
Neal Brown offered Brown a scholarship two years ago and is likely still fond of the QB’s size (6’4″, 220 pounds), athleticism, and arm strength. Brown also fits OC Chad Scott’s offense well and would benefit from sitting a year behind starter Garrett Greene while he hones his craft.
UCF Knights
The Knights present a similar situation to the Mountaineers, with KJ Jefferson as the cemented QB1 in 2024.
KEEP READING: Miami Hurricanes’ Top 10 Returning Players in 2024
First-year OC Darin Hinshaw produced one of the most productive offenses last year, ranking eighth nationally in yards (487). And that was with John Rhys Plumlee and Timmy McClain under center! Imagine what Brown could do after spending this season working on the nuances of the position with Hinshaw while getting his feet wet behind Jefferson.
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