In the lead-up to the Pinstripe Bowl, a lot of conversation from Miami’s perspective has shifted towards quarterback Jacurri Brown, who will not only be seeing his frist action of the year – but starting.. Offensive coordinator Shannon Dawson shared some thoughts with media today on Brown's progression and the team's dynamics with multiple regular starters missing.
The Return of Jalen Rivers
Next year’s Canes team received a significant boost with the return of Jalen Rivers, a versatile and experienced offensive lineman, for his fifth season. Dawson expresses his delight, "That's huge, you know. I mean those guys played great this year. I'd like to keep as many of them back as we can." Jalen's experience brings a level of stability and leadership, essential for building on the group’s success of last season. Miami is losing center Matt Lee and left guard Javion Cohen to the pros.
Jacurri Brown's Emergence as a Leader
Shannon Dawson speaks highly of Jacurri Brown's rapid development and readiness to lead the team. "He's been great," Dawson notes, "His presence out there, sense of urgency, he's excited to play and you can see it." The coach emphasizes Brown's positive body language and eagerness, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact in the game.
Adapting to Brown's Playing Style
Dawson also discusses adapting the team's strategy to Brown's unique playing style. He says, "I try to do things that the quarterback just playing is good at." This flexible strategy caters to Brown's strengths, particularly important given his limited playtime this season. "The stuff that we're repping in practice, he's really doing an excellent job," Dawson adds, showcasing confidence in Brown's abilities.
Brown's Accuracy and Adaptation
Addressing concerns about Brown's accuracy, particularly in intermediate and long throws, Dawson is reassuring. "His accuracy has been fine," he states, adding, "He's been sitting in the pocket, throwing it great." This improvement is crucial for Brown's growth as a quarterback.
Handling Player Departures and Future Prospects
The departure of players like Tyler Van Dyke, Colbie Young, Matt Lee, and Javion Cohen poses challenges, but Dawson adopts a 'next man up' mentality. He views these changes as an opportunity for others to gain experience. "It's the time of the year and it's after everything goes down, so you're really practicing with some different guys," Dawson explains, seeing this as a positive for future team development.
Backup Quarterback Plans
With a focus on the backup quarterback position, Dawson reveals they have plans for several players, highlighting Jayden George's experience. "Jayden George is a guy that has been here for a while," Dawson says, ensuring that the team has depth and emergency plans in place.
The Return of Jalen Rivers
Next year’s Canes team received a significant boost with the return of Jalen Rivers, a versatile and experienced offensive lineman, for his fifth season. Dawson expresses his delight, "That's huge, you know. I mean those guys played great this year. I'd like to keep as many of them back as we can." Jalen's experience brings a level of stability and leadership, essential for building on the group’s success of last season. Miami is losing center Matt Lee and left guard Javion Cohen to the pros.
Jacurri Brown's Emergence as a Leader
Shannon Dawson speaks highly of Jacurri Brown's rapid development and readiness to lead the team. "He's been great," Dawson notes, "His presence out there, sense of urgency, he's excited to play and you can see it." The coach emphasizes Brown's positive body language and eagerness, highlighting his potential to make a significant impact in the game.
Adapting to Brown's Playing Style
Dawson also discusses adapting the team's strategy to Brown's unique playing style. He says, "I try to do things that the quarterback just playing is good at." This flexible strategy caters to Brown's strengths, particularly important given his limited playtime this season. "The stuff that we're repping in practice, he's really doing an excellent job," Dawson adds, showcasing confidence in Brown's abilities.
Brown's Accuracy and Adaptation
Addressing concerns about Brown's accuracy, particularly in intermediate and long throws, Dawson is reassuring. "His accuracy has been fine," he states, adding, "He's been sitting in the pocket, throwing it great." This improvement is crucial for Brown's growth as a quarterback.
Handling Player Departures and Future Prospects
The departure of players like Tyler Van Dyke, Colbie Young, Matt Lee, and Javion Cohen poses challenges, but Dawson adopts a 'next man up' mentality. He views these changes as an opportunity for others to gain experience. "It's the time of the year and it's after everything goes down, so you're really practicing with some different guys," Dawson explains, seeing this as a positive for future team development.
Backup Quarterback Plans
With a focus on the backup quarterback position, Dawson reveals they have plans for several players, highlighting Jayden George's experience. "Jayden George is a guy that has been here for a while," Dawson says, ensuring that the team has depth and emergency plans in place.
