By Mickey Furfari
MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University quarterback Jarrett Brown admittedly is “very excited” to play in the final game of his career against Florida State.
That will be on Friday, Jan.1, in the Gator Bowl at Jacksonville, Fla.
“It is a great bowl, and to have a shot at a 10th victory is a wonderful position to be in,” he said.
Brown is a 6-4, 220-pound senior from West Palm Beach, Fla. So he will be performing before a lot of friends and family. He’s capping his only season as a full-time starter.
However, his record as a starter is 11-3, counting wins over Rutgers is 2006 in triple overtime, 41-39, and Syracuse, 17-6, in 2008.
While Brown could have left, he stayed as backup to Patrick White. Coach Bill Stewart has commended him for his dedication and loyalty.
“I always told myself I never regret any decision I made,” Brown explained. “I always try to make the best of my situations. And that’s what I did.
“I am happy to be in Florida again. It’s a good bowl game and in warm weather.”
Brown believes it will take some time before he fully realizes his college career is over.
“Everyone is talking about Bobby Bowden and Florida State,” he said. “But here it’s about us. It’s all about WVU right now.”
He thinks playing in Florida is a great opportunity to help West Virginia’s recruiting in that state.
Brown said he doesn’t think those Floridians who leave the state are forgotten by people who reside there.
“This is a big program, and we’ve been on TV, on the map, and folks down there haven’t forgotten me,” he noted. “They still call me.”
Brown is the first Mountaineer quarterback to pass for at least 2,000 yards in a season since Mark Bulger in 1998.
He has completed 186 of 292 passes for 2,129 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s also second in rushing with 423 yards and five scores on keeper plays.
