Rhett Lashlee landed his quarterback in the Class of 2022 in Valdosta (Ga.) Lowndes four-star Jacurri Brown on Friday. He picked the Hurricanes over Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida and Arizona State live on CBS Sports HQ less than a week after spending a few days down in South Florida.
“Just a school rich with football tradition. My relationships with the coaches. The quarterback room gives me a legitimate opportunity to compete early in my career,” Brown told InsideTheU in a message about why Miami was the pick. “Miami is a unique city which will allow me to expand my brand. Miami, Coral Gables is a first-class city that can assist in the development of me becoming the man I wanna be.”
Brown, who is considered the No. 167 overall player and No. 5 dual-threat quarterback in the country according to the industry-generated 247Sports Composite, becomes commit No. 2 for Miami and the first offensive player to join the class along. Tampa Carrollwood Day Top247 defensive lineman Brandon Cleveland is UM’s only other pledge.
He’s excited to get to Coral Gables, where he knows the offense will utilize his unique skillset.
“I feel they will center it around my skill set and maximize my abilities to the fullest. There’s a lot of points to be scored in Rhett Lashlee’s system,” Brown said.
The 6-foot-4, 205-pounder also has some lofty goals for his tenure at UM.
“Run the state of Florida,” Brown said. “Win the conference, win a natty, win the Heisman, and in some way give back to the kids and leave a legacy like no other.”
The signal-caller spent parts of last weekend in Miami, walking around UM’s campus and meeting with city officials and members of Big Brother, Big Sister, a mentorship organization in South Florida. Making an impact on the community is a big part of what he plans to do while in Coral Gables.
“I’m not rich, but I could give my time,” Brown told InsideTheU last weekend. “If I were to make my decision, I want it to be a 40-year decision. Leaving my mark and having a legacy, I want to be known for giving back to the kids. In that area, you can be in the wrong place at the wrong time and your whole life can be changed just like that. If you get to kids at an early age, you change a trend for a whole generation.”
Brown is the second four-star quarterback out of Georgia Lashlee has landed in as many years. The Hurricanes play-caller was able to land Loganville (Ga.) Grayson Top247 quarterback Jake Garcia out of the Peach State on Early Signing Day this past December. Brown also becomes the second Lowndes player to pick the Hurricanes. The school signed edge Thomas Davis out of the South Georgia power last cycle.
As a junior, Brown threw for 1,537 yards with 14 touchdowns, while adding 1,101 yards on the ground with 16 more scores. He totaled 276 yards and four touchdowns in the Winnersville Classic against crosstown rival Valdosta.
Since becoming the full-time starter at the South Georgia powerhouse, Brown has a 24-3 record. He made a 7A state championship appearance as a sophomore. In his high school career, Brown has totaled 72 touchdowns, including 44 on the ground.
247Sports’ Andrew Ivins compares the quarterback to former Virginia Tech and current Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Impressive looking athlete with the desired height to play the position. Owns a leaner build now, but could eventually get up to 220 pounds or more. One of the more unique quarterback prospects in the class of 2022 given ability to run the football. Has already eclipsed the 100-yard mark rushing in 14 different varsity games. Still developing as a passer, but started to show some improvement the spring after junior season. Has no issues getting the ball to all different levels of the field. Likes to use trajectory to his advantage, especially on his deep shots. More of a drive-ball thrower, but capable of making off-plane throws on the run. Streaky player that’s not afraid to challenge tight windows, but struggles at times with accuracy and tends to make some of the easiest throws the most difficult. Tested exceptionally well before his senior season clocking a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.4 in the short shuttle. Long stride allows him to pull away from defenses. Not afraid, however, to lower his shoulder and power through defenders, if needed. Considered a leader by those in his huddle and has won plenty of big games on Friday nights playing in one of the Peach State’s highest classifications. Will need to find some touch and keep improving his mechanics, but raw tools are valuable at the quarterback position, and he has a ton of them. Should be viewed as a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect that can make a difference at the Power 5 level with patience and the right coaching. Likely to thrive in an offensive system that embraces dual-threat quarterbacks and leans on his strengths.
