Brown: UNT needs dramatic improvement on offensive line as QB battle continues

North Texas entered its first major scrimmage of fall practice ahead of Neal Brown’s debut season as the Mean Green’s coach over the weekend looking for clarity.

UNT has a host of decisions to make heading into its season opener at Indiana on Sept. 5, including which direction it will turn for a new starting quarterback.

Brown had a few answers on Tuesday, just not as many as he hoped for following the scrimmage. UNT’s players flashed just what Brown was hoping to see along the defensive line, while all three players remaining in the quarterback race showed potential.

It’s the Mean Green’s offensive line that remains a concern — a big one from the sound of Brown’s evaluation as UNT heads down the stretch as far as the camp portion of preseason drills.

“It was the typical first scrimmage,” Brown said. “I thought our defensive line really showed growth.

“They played really fast and physical. They played with their hands and were productive with TFLs [tackles for loss] and sacks.”

Scrimmages after often something of a mixed bag in terms of players and position groups. Some play well. Some don’t. That was the case for the Mean Green, who have a lingering — and particularly important — question to answer at quarterback.

Brown said weeks ago that Central Florida transfer Tayven Jackson had a leg up in race that also includes East Carolina transfer Chaston Ditta and returning backup Chris Jimerson Jr. The overriding storyline heading into the scrimmage was if the workout would change where the race stands.

“I like the progression all three are making,” Brown said. “They all made some plays on Saturday, and I thought Chaston had a great day today. Tayven’s been the most consistent, and Chris has shown some flashes.”

Add it all up, and UNT is right where it has been since the beginning of camp.

“It really hasn’t changed,” Brown said. “Tayven’s in the lead right now. Chaston and Jimerson are both pushing him.

“It’s one of those things that we’ll let play out. Are we going to make an announcement? I don’t know. Most of the time with the way these quarterback races go, it’s pretty evident. The guys on the team know.”

UNT’s players have spoken highly of each member of the trio throughout fall camp and did so again Monday, when running back Jahiem White said he likes the way the team is coming together overall.

“Fall camp’s going great,” the West Virginia transfer said. “We’re coming together with a new group of guys.”

Brown just wishes UNT was coming together a little better up front offensively.

Center Chandler Strong has nailed down a starting job and has been UNT’s best offensive lineman in camp. Tackle Johnny Williams IV has also won a starting job.

The rest of UNT’s lineup is a bit of a mystery, and a concern.

“We didn’t play very well up front on Saturday,” Brown said. “We did a bunch of team today, and we still didn’t play very well up front. The challenge offensively is we’re only going to be as good as our offensive line, and if our offensive line plays as good as it did on Saturday and today, we’re going to struggle.”

UNT plans to gives every other offensive lineman on the roster an opportunity to win one of the other three starting jobs. UNT is hoping to find players who will play with better footwork and improved physicality.

“It’s an open competition,” Brown said. “May the best men win. I don’t care if they’re on scholarship. I don’t care if we’re paying them rev share. I don’t care if they’re walk-ons. I just want five guys who are going to do what they’re coached to do and be physical as hell coming off the ball.”

Whoever wins those jobs will be clearing the way for White, a transfer running back from West Virginia who on Tuesday was named to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award given to the top running back in college football.

“I’m really confident in our offensive line,” White said. “I tell them all the time, all I need is a split second.”

Allen coming on at corner

UNT found itself searching for another starting cornerback in the last few days after projected starter Caden Jenkins was lost for the season with a knee injury.

The Mean Green have started to see how the race to replace the Baylor transfer could play out.

“There’s probably as much competition at that position as anywhere on the team,” Brown said. “In Caden’s absence, Jaden Allen has really stepped up. He’s stacking days."

Brown also named Chase Canada, Keshawn Davila and Zach Johnson as the other players in contention for the job.

Brown to limit White right up to season

White said Tuesday that he feels good about where he stands in his recovery from a knee injury that cut his season short last fall during his final campaign at West Virginia.

He has participated in drills throughout camp.

Brown is drawing the line at having White, who rushed for 1,819 yards in 27 games with the Mountaineers, take hits in practice.

“We probably won’t,” Brown said of putting White in full contact drills. “It’d be different if he’d never played. He’s got two years of significant experience in the Big 12. He’ll be fine.”