Season in Review: Marcus Brown

The Numbers

• 11 total tackles
• 10 assisted tackles
• 1.0 tackles for loss

The 2018 season was another year of learning from Marcus Brown. The sophomore defensive tackle from Naples, Florida was far from the best defensive lineman on the team and he received playing time that fell in line with that. However, even if his role was relegated to rotational work on the line, he still had a consistent one on the team, as he appeared in all 13 games of the season, just without making a start. That means he got to experience blowouts, nail-biters and even a bowl atmosphere. As the former three-star recruit goes into the offseason, he has already begun building toward a more expansive future.

When Brown did play, he did perfectly well. He tallied 11 total tackles, although he was much more of a help defender than a guy shedding blockers and making plays entirely on his own. Lining up near the middle of the defensive front, he recorded 10 assisted tackles. However, he was providing that second tackling presence to finish plays on both sides of the line, as he had two half tackles for loss, equating to 1.0 for the whole season. That might not be worth celebrating for most players, but Brown’s numbers require the context of his limited opportunities.

The Best of the Best

Sept. 15 vs. Alabama A&M

The Bearcats defeated Alabama A&M 63-7. That meant there was plenty of chances for reserve players. Brown took advantage and produced a season-high four tackles, including his only individual effort of the year. While he also put forth some solid work against UConn and Tulane later in the year, this was the most effective and utilized he was during the 2018 campaign.

For Next Year

As we discussed in Marcus Brown’s season in review, the Bearcats will have more than a few openings on the defensive line next year. That’s why the coaching staff was smart to ensure guys like Brooks and Brown got enough playing time in their first two years so they can hit the ground running next fall. Brown has already shown that he can be a force up front in short bursts. Now he has to prove he can do it for longer stretches.