Damari Brown enters camp as one of the key players on the defense. His size and physicality bring a different element to the nickel position, and he also has the versatility to play outside. He met with reporters after practice to discuss his progress:
On what he learned last year: Always stay ready. Seize the moment. Opportunity was there for me last year. It's here for me now. I'm just going to take advantage and just keep moving forward, get better day by day.
On his weight: In that 197 to 200 range. It goes up and down.
On competing against Restrepo: He’s good work. Best of the best. When I go against him, I make sure my P's and Q's are on. Everything is one-on-one, game time. Gam- time reps with him. The more I go against him, the more he'll sharpen me up.
On Daryl Porter: That's my guy. He has a lot of knowledge to him. He's been doing this for a few years. Hopefully, this being his last year, he can go lead, go out with a bang and lead the secondary.
Even though he's older than me, I act like the little brother. I try not to act like the big brother, but he's cool to be around on and off the field, and I keep taking knowledge from him.
On OJ Frederique and Ryan Mack: Those guys are talented. OJ reminds me of myself from last year. Came in, competed early out the gate. Doesn't shy away from anything. The same with Ryan. Just got to stay healthy. But when those guys are good, they're out there, they're competing.
On his mentality this year: “Take over.” There's a lot expected from me this year. I'm not a baby anymore. Got to take on this. This is year two, being a starting cornerback. Just got to perform at a high level and set the bar.
On his brother Davonte, now at FSU: Obviously, I miss him. It was cool having a brother on the team, sometimes on the other side of me. But things happen for the better. He's in a better place for himself now. I just wish all the best for him.
On trash-talking with his brother: I'm not going to get in his head too much. But definitely on that Saturday night, it's going to be some noise.
