Dynamic former UCF QB Jacurri Brown, known for his explosive runs, now leads Rice's offense, aiming to ignite their ground game.
Former UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown has been named the starter for his new program, the Rice Owls, shining since transferring in the Spring.
ESPN College Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel broke the news Wednesday afternoon, writing that the 6-foot-4 signal caller instantly "impressed upon transferring in."
Brown spent two seasons at UCF after transferring in from Miami, making limited starts. However, when he did play, his athletic traits shined through.
Brown did much of his work with his legs, rushing for 154 yards for two touchdowns on 13 carries against Iowa State as a sophomore in his first ever start. This past season, against N.C. A&T, Brown rushed for 106 yards and two touchdowns on only five attempts while completing two-of-three passes for 15 yards.
Unfortunately, this was one of Brown's brighter moments last season, as he struggled with accuracy and consistency in limited action.
In late September, against Kansas State, Knights starting quarterback Tayven Jackson was injured after being hit after a pass attempt. Jackson immediately headed for the medical tent while holding his left arm.
Junior quarterback Jacurri Brown replaced Jackson as the Knights' signal caller, but immediately surrendered possession back to the Wildcats after an ill-advised throw that ended up in purple gloves.
Kansas State took advantage of Brown's mistake, capitalizing on prime field position and punching in a one yard touchdown run to push the lead to 10-0. This was the first opening-half touchdown surrendered by the Knights through their first five games.
Brown responded on the following drive, uncorking an 82-yard touchdown to redshirt junior DJ Black to open the scoring for UCF.
This was the last pass Brown threw in a Knights uniform, as Jackson reclaimed his starting role in the second half.
Outside of this big play, UCF's offense was stagnant, falling to the Wildcats 34-20.
Brown's athletic ability and veteran experience should help a Rice team that relies on the run. Last season, the Owls failed to meet 200 yards passing in a game, dealing with a QB carousel of their own.
As a whole, Rice averaged less than 100 yards passing per game (97.6), while boasting a top-15 rushing offense (204.8 YPG) in the country.
Brown's ability with his legs will fit in nicely to this type of scheme, bringing an average of six yards per carry with him.
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