Brothers through blood, teammates through the U. Miami CBs Davonte, Damari Brown shine

University of Miami true freshman cornerback Damari Brown said just before fall camp began that his older brother Davonte — a fellow cornerback, Plantation American Heritage alum and UCF transfer this offseason — gave him some big-bro advice.

“Just make the best out of the opportunities given me, learn the playbook and when my name is called, don’t give them a reason to take me off the field,” Damari said of the brotherly wisdom.

On Wednesday, both brothers and their fellow UM cornerbacks spoke via Zoom as they continue preparing to meet Miami of Ohio in the Sept. 1 home opener. Judging by coach Mario Cristobal’s comments and Damari’s progress during camp, seems like not-so-little-brother has been following Davonte’s suggestions.

“He has been listening to me, trying to take heed,’’ said projected UM starter Davonte, a 6-2, 190-pound fourth-year junior who started 31 games for UCF, including every game last season, with 30 tackles, a forced fumble, two interceptions and four four pass deflections in 2022. “I’m seeing the transition from high school to college.

“He’s understanding that what he did in high school, things are different now. Just trying to help him make that adjustment, talking to him and staying in his ear. We see the potential he has. He just had to put it all together.

“Playing with my brother, that’s something a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to do. I’m not taking it for granted. ...It’s like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Post-spring arrival

Damari, 18, who also played at American Heritage, arrived on campus after spring practice but attended several sessions to observe and emulate Davonte and the other corners. At least five of them — Daryl Porter Jr., Jaden Davis, Te’Cory Couch and the brothers — grew up and played high school ball in Broward County. The 6-2, 195-pound younger Brown was a consensus four-star prospect when he chose UM over Alabama last December.

The brothers are the son of former UM star and two-time Hurricanes national champion Selwyn Brown.

“Very special,’’ Davonte said. “That was one of the things that helped me make that decision coming here, knowing how important the U is and the lineage it holds.”

Added the older brother: “A lot of us being from Broward County makes the bond even easier. Broward County is different from other places. We talk and do things alike. That bond helps us off the field and on the field to connect.’’

Miami lost 2022 starting boundary corner Tyrique Stevens and DJ Ivey to the NFL, but the youngest corners and veterans alike have grown extremely close and are practicing in the slot and outside to feel comfortable at each. Damari, a big-bodied, physical corner, has excelled since he arrived for good on May 21.

“Don’t get big brother mad,’’ quipped Cristobal this week. “I’m not talking about the older brother. [Damari] is just a physical guy — physical, fast, knows how to play football and understands the game. He came in with a really strong knowledge of what we do in the secondary. And he doesn’t even flinch. He’s going to play a tremendous role this year. He’s fighting for a starting spot.’’

Starting one day with his brother “would be cool,’’ Damari said Wednesday. “That’s been brought up....

”That would be something that’s not really heard of — going out there on the opposite side of your brother. That would be a dream to us.”

American Heritage coach

Plantation American Heritage head coach Mike Smith coached both Brown brothers in high school.

“He never gets too high, never gets too low,’’ Smith told the Miami Herald of Damari in April. “You don’t know whether he’s having a good day or bad day or good game or bad game. It’s a gift he has. He just stays even the whole time.

“Damari is a little bit more to himself. He’s definitely the quieter of the two. He just goes about his business , whether it’s on the field or in the classroom.”

Smith said Davonte was an outstanding student and “works at his craft.’’

“It’s not just the physical part,’’ Smith said. “It’s the mental part of the game. That’s where it benefits having a brother who plays at a high level — and a dad. Super smart kid. Really understands the game. He has a next-play mentality to him. He’s very confident. He’s not a kid who’s going to be running around acting crazy. He’s not going to say a lot. He’s going to work.”

Admiration

Both brothers were asked what part of their brother’s game on or off the field they admire or would like to take for themselves.

“Off the field he’s a humble guy, not a man of many words,’’ Damari said. “He stays poised on the field, too. He’s just like a technician. Getting the technique down, sharpening my craft and press. I’m always like an ant when he’s out there, just looking at the reps. But off the field, just being that low-maintenance guy, staying true to myself and being humble and good to people.”

Said Davonte: “I like how he plays physical, with tenacity. He plays the game like a bully.’’

Daryl Porter, a 5-10, 185-pound fourth-year junior who transferred before last season from West Virginia and played with both brothers at American Heritage, described Damari as “very physical, very smart, very technical when it comes to his play.”

“I love the way he plays,’’ Porter said. “It kind of reminds me of [Carolina Panthers 2021 eighth overall draft pick] Jaycee Horn.

“It’s been fun,’’ Porter said of the Hurricanes defensive backs. “Competition is everywhere. We have a lot of new guys in the room now and it’s all bringing us to a new level. We’re going to be ready next week.’’

Damari said he’s “taking it day-by-day,’’ but that the game is much “more intense here.’’

“Each day I’m trying to take one-percent of my practice habits and improve them to the next practice — just prepare myself and my body to be ready for the games.

“I’ve been rowdied up, prepared, anxious, to get out there and finally put a helmet on again,’’ he said on media day. “Nothing I’m really nervous about. I’ve been playing football all my life.”