Position: WR
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 200
Hometown: Hampton, Va
High School: Hampton HS
Twitter: @_Jbrown2
In 2009, the Hoos had a redshirt freshman WR named Javaris Brown, who started twice and totaled 7 catches for 134 yards and a TD. In 2012, the Hoos had a freshman WR named Jamall Brown, who redshirted while dressing for all the home contests. These two players are not the same person. I promise. Despite what virginiasports.com appears to think, they are completely different people. I realize, there is some confusion, since Jamall Brown is from Hampton HS and Javaris Brown is now playing for Hampton University.
Jamall Brown, the current Hoo, is a tall, lanky WR who was a 2 star recruit by both Rivals and Scout and a 3 star guy from ESPN. ESPN also ranked Brown the #131 WR in the nation. Part of the reason he was rated so low was a wrist injury during his junior season which forced him to play DB only, and not WR. He was recruited by NC State and Virginia Tech.
In High School, Brown excelled at WR, DB and as a kick returner. He's got good size for a WR, and enough speed to make plays downfield. He also has enough change-of-direction ability to make defenders miss in space. He has looked pretty good catching the ball during practice, but has a tendency to let balls get into his body. He's going to have to work at using his hands better. He also needs to work on building his upper body strength to help him get off the line of scrimmage against press coverage.
Luckily for the Hoos, there is a lot of WR depth ahead of Brown. That is not to say that he can't contribute, but he isn't ready to be a top WR for a good team. He's currently listed as the 4th WR at the X position (Darius Jennings' spot). He's capable of stepping in for a few plays here and there and providing a deep threat. His size gives him the ability to make plays that Jennings can't make.
Of course, the guy right above him on the depth chart is Adrian Gamble, a tall WR who is actually taller than Brown and possibly faster. For Brown to get on the field this year, he's going to need to beat out Gamble, and unlikely scenario. However, the Hoos WR depth thins out after the next 2 years, and by then Brown should be much more developed and ready to go.
Brown could also contribute in the return game. He's got enough speed and wiggle to return both kickoffs and punts. Again, he's unlikely to get any looks there this year, not with so many options ahead of him. But in a couple of years, he could be back there.