UCF transfer CB Davonte Brown gives Miami a potential starter in 2023

Jahmile Addae will need to replace both of his starting cornerbacks next year with Tyrique Stevenson and DJ Ivey off to the NFL.

Miami was able to add some much needed depth and a potential starter in former UCF transfer Davonte Brown when he announced his commitment to the Hurricanes over Florida State on Monday.

In three years with the Knights, Brown played nearly 1900 snaps while allowing completions on 55 percent of the targets thrown his way. In 116 passes thrown his way, receivers caught 64 for 836 yards with just four touchdowns. He finished his career in the AAC with three interceptions and 11 pass deflections.

A veteran body with plus size at 6-foot-2, 185-pounds, Brown has the potential to compete for a key role within Kevin Steele’s defense in 2022. He finished with a strong 84.0 coverage grade in 2021, which was his best season of his career. He did not allow a touchdown that entire season while playing in a career-high 763 snaps.

Brown’s addition is also a big deal because his younger brother, Damari, is a top Miami target in the Class of 2023. The nation’s No. 18 cornerback this cycle will likely put pen to paper on Wednesday on the first day of the Early Signing Period and the Hurricanes have been at the forefront of that recruitment since the new staff was in place.

Alabama and Florida State are thought to be the two biggest threats to Miami, but it’s really the Crimson Tide, who picked up a 247Sports Crystal Ball forecast from director of recruiting Steve Wiltfong earlier this month, who is Mario Cristobal’s biggest competitor. 

While there is no guarantee that the younger Brown follows his older brother to Coral Gables, it doesn’t hurt to have that connection in place, especially considering their father, Selwyn, is a national champion with the program.