EJ Manuel compares USF QB Byrum Brown to Cam Newton

Unfortunately, we will not get to see Byrum Brown play in the Cure Bowl against Old Dominion. Weirdly enough, Brown will serve as a coach during the game. But questions about his future persist either way and many wonder if we will soon see an entry into the NCAA transfer portal.

No matter what Brown decides to do, he certainly has a fan in ESPN analyst EJ Manuel. He compared Brown to Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Cam Newton on Saturday when previewing bowl games. Manuel sees an NFL future for the current-USF quarterback, just needing a chance.

“Fantastic quarterback but fellas, when he takes off and runs, this dude reminds me of Cam Newton when he was at Auburn,” Manuel said. “He can put his shoulder down. He has over 1,000 yards rushing on the season and also 14 touchdowns. He is going to have an NFL future — somebody is going to give this young man an opportunity.”

Brown threw for 3,158 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this past season. It’s the running ability that draws the Newton comparison from Manuel, adding 1,008 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Remember, college football includes sacks in those numbers, meaning getting to the millennium mark is even more impressive.

Watching Brown play in the Cure Bowl would have been a lot of fun. Instead, the headset comes on for a rare opportunity. From there, everyone will be watching to see what the future holds. You know USF would love to have Brown back inside the building, while other programs are likely chomping at the bit.

More on Alex Golesh, Auburn quarterback situation

Could the place Newton played his college ball be the place Brown makes the jump? It’s a major question on the Plains due to the program’s new head coach, Alex Golesh. He came to Auburn via USF, working with Brown in recent years. Maybe we could see the relationship get back together, just in a different location.

Golesh inherits an interesting quarterback situation. Jackson Arnold is expected to leave the program, spending just one season with Auburn after transferring in from Auburn. Duece Knight and Ashton Daniels are both candidates to remain with the Tigers.

Knight is a freshman phenom, getting the first start of his career against Mercer. Daniels was then inserted back into the lineup for the Iron Bowl, sitting out the week prior in order to maintain his final year of eligibility.