Quarterback C.J. Brown prepares to take a snap in the Terps spring game on April 11, 2014 at Byrd Stadium.
C.J. and Jordan Brown were both standout quarterbacks at Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, Pennsylvania.
On Saturday afternoon at Byrd Stadium, though, only one of the brothers will line up under center for the Terrapins football team’s season opener against James Madison.
C.J., a sixth-year senior and the incumbent starting quarterback for the Terps, will take the field as the leader of a program entering a season littered with uncertainty. Meanwhile, Jordan, a redshirt freshman who became a full-time defensive back after joining the Dukes in 2013, is jockeying for playing time.
Still, C.J. is excited for the family affair.
“There’s not too many times in your lifetime you can go against your brother, especially at this level,” C.J said. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Saturday’s contest against James Madison will set the tone for the Terps’ inaugural season in the Big Ten. And Brown’s play is likely to be a key part of the Terps’ crucial campaign.
During preseason camp, coach Randy Edsall and offensive coordinator Mike Locksley harped on C.J. Brown’s decision-making process. Given his speed and agility, Brown has a number of options on any passing play depending on the coverage. Edsall and Locksley want the veteran quarterback to start making smoother, quicker decisions while avoiding mental mistakes.
“One of his strongest qualities is his ability to make plays with his feet. When C.J. breaks the pocket we know he can makes plays with his feet,” Locksley said. “We want him to perform at the highest level each and every time he takes the field. He’s had more good days than bad days this camp, but of course we would like him to be a little more consistent.”
Despite working tirelessly over the summer to develop chemistry with a star-studded receiving core, namely five-star recruits Deon Long and Stefon Diggs, C.J. Brown admitted that he was sluggish during camp.
“I wouldn’t say it was one of my better camps,” said C.J., who threw for 2,242 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 576 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2013. “But at the same time, I learned from my mistakes. I was able to move and get through it.”
Brown said that growth has given him more confidence in his decision-making heading into this season. Over the course of his collegiate career, Brown said he’s developed a deeper understanding for applying his skillset to certain game situations. Given a down and distance, Brown said he now knows when to take off and run, when to check down to a running back and when to take chances down the field.
“The biggest thing with a sixth-year guy is his leadership and having a feel and command of what we’re doing offensively,” Edsall said. “I think also taking control of the situation in practice and on the field. I’ve seen those things. C.J. still has to be a little more consistent with some of the things that he’s doing. He’s working on it hard each and every day.”
Entering Saturday’s game, C.J. said he and Jordan have kept the trash talking to a minimum.
Nonetheless, the Terps’ quarterback is aware how unique this opportunity is — both in terms of his family and the beginning of an historic season in College Park.
“It’s mutual. It’s been respectful,” C.J. said of his brother. “We’ll wish each other the best of luck before the game.”
