Miami Hurricanes CB Damari Brown one of six true freshmen that started vs. FSU: “It shows what for years to come will look like”

Playing against one of the nation’s better passing offenses at Florida State is a heck of an assignment for a cornerback, but that wasn’t all Damari Brown was up against on Saturday. Because for the Miami freshman it wasn’t just about figuring out how to slow down some of the physical Seminoles pass catchers, it was also about maintaining his composure in his first-ever start on such a big stage.

Brown held his own for the most part notwithstanding allowing a TD grab in a tough one-on-one cover situations – per Pro Football Focus he was targeted a team-high eight times, giving up five completions for 67 yards. Brown graded out at 60.0 overall per PFF, including a 59.3 cover grade.

“It felt pretty good to know my name is being called, next man up,” Brown said. “Mentality, can’t let the moment get too big for me. I just try to go out there and give it my all.”

Brown’s made a quick transition from high school to college. And he was tasked with guarding Keon Coleman.

“I (grade) myself pretty tough, left some things out there,” Brown said. “He didn’t do too much, but I gave up one play in the game (a TD). Overall, some good receivers. I feel I can just fine-tune my technique. I went out there and gave it all I had.”

A good sign for the future of Miami: Brown was one of six true freshmen that started against the Seminoles in what was a competitive game that came down to the final drive. The other freshmen starters: QB Emory Williams, RB Mark Fletcher, OL Francis Mauigoa, DL Rueben Bain and P Dylan Joyce.

“It shows and speaks a lot,” Brown said. “We are so versatile at all these positions, all the young guys have talent from the offensive line to quarterback room, corner, running backs, linebackers, you name it,” Brown said. “It shows what for years to come will look like.”

It was a neat situation for Damari on Saturday, as not only did he start but he also got some reps in the game with his brother, Davonte, the UCF transfer who was in for 12 snaps (graded out at 30.3 with two targets and a pass interference call).

“(Davonte) was just in my ear any time we had a timeout, prepping up to the moment, saying `You’ve been doing this your whole life, go out and show them what we do,’” Damari said. “I was just ready for the challenge and came out to play.”

Brown played very limited reps prior to FSU – he was averaging under 12 reps before getting 65 against the Seminoles. It was his first real chance to show what he can do, and the 4-star signee in this year’s class out of Plantation American Heritage certainly has a bright future.

Now he’ll look to continue his progress when Miami has its home finale this weekend vs. No. 9 Louisville, which that has a 9-1 record. On offense Louisville averages 32.7 points and 439.0 yards per game (187.9 rushing). The attack is led by QB Jack Plummer, who is completing 65.5 percent of his passes for 2,402 yards with 16 TDs and nine interceptions. Lead receiver Jamari Thrash missed last game as a gametime decision and could be back this weekend – he has 49 catches for 734 yards and six TDs; no other pass catcher has more than 19 catches and 307 yards (that would be WR Chris Bell). RB Jawhar Jordan leads the running backs room with 976 yards and 11 TDs, and Isaac Guerendo has added 492 yards and seven more scores.

“They are a top 10 offense and defense, are ranked, that means a lot,” Brown said. “We have to be prepared, ready to attack because they have talent but we also have talent, too. It’ll be a good game.”

A final thought from Brown?

“Heads are high, positive, just have an urgency to us knowing there is a trophy (the Schnellenberger Trophy, since the legendary coach led both programs) behind this game, hardware,” Brown said. “The energy has been high. We want to finish these two games out with a bang.”

The post Miami Hurricanes CB Damari Brown one of six true freshmen that started vs. FSU: “It shows what for years to come will look like” appeared first on On3.