Former UCLA Bruins Star Replaces 1st Overall Pick, Gets Nod For Cleveland Browns

The conversation about who will be the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns has heated up and former UCLA Bruins quarterback, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, has emerged as the top option to replace Deshaun Watson under center.

Former UCLA Bruins QB Unseats Jameis Winston

The Browns drafted Thompson-Robinson in the 5th round of the 2023 season. He was put in for an injured Watson for three games. He put up modest numbers in those games. He flashed in the Browns preseason this year. He completed 69 percent of his passes for 375 yards in three games, beating out veteran QB Tyler Huntley for the third spot on the roster.

Ahead of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was reported that he moved up the depth chart one more spot, passing former first-overall pick in the 2015 draft Jameis Winston.

With about 1:30 left in the first half of that game, Watson went down with an apparent Achilles injury and was carted off the field. Thompson-Robinson entered the game and led the team 23 yards for a touchdown.

The 6-foot-2, 191-pound South Carolina native played for UCLA from 2018 to 2022 and amassed impressive statistics during his time with the Bruins. He completed 63.1% of his passes for 10,739 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. Thompson-Robinson also showcased his dual-threat abilities, rushing for 1,397 yards and 18 touchdowns. His final season at UCLA was particularly impressive. He completed 68.3% of his passes for 3,675 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He also rushed for 646 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Thompson Robinson received a shoutout from his Alma Mater after the current UCLA Bruins QB Ethan Garbers ran in a touchdown on a 49-yard scramble during their winning effort against the Rutgers Scarlett Knights.

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