Continuing our days until kickoff countdown, there’s only one answer to the question “who is the best no. 98 in University of Miami history?”

Jerome Brown.

A dominating 6’2” 292lb defensive tackle from Brownsville, FL, Brown was a huge presence on the field and an even bigger personality off of it.

In starring for the Hurricanes from 1984-1987, Brown was a part of a National Championship team (1987), and an overall record of 41-7. That, my friends, is damn good.

Oh yeah, and Brown was the ringleader of the Canes wearing fatigues vs Penn State in 1986. (Don’t know what I’m talking about? Watch the legendary documentary “The U”. You’ll learn)

Personally, Brown was a stellar run defender and a stout pass rusher from the defensive tackle position. From his UM sports Hall of Fame profile:

Brown finished his UM career with 183 total tackles, including 21 sacks, 19 tackles for loss, five fumbles caused and four fumbles recovered. His sack total is still ranked in the Top Ten in school history.

Following his impressive career at Miami, Brown was a 1st round draft pick (9th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1987.

Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

Brown was an immediate impact player for the Eagles, teaming up on the defensive line with Hall of Fame DE Reggie White to create a formidable 1-2 punch up front. In his 5 year NFL career, Brown totaled 29.5 sacks, was twice selected to the Pro Bowl (1990-91) and was twice an All-Pro (1990-91).

At the height of his professional success, Brown’s life was tragically cut short. When visiting his hometown of Brooksville, FL, Brown lost control of his car, running off the road and hitting a utility pole. The accident cost both Brown and his 12 year old nephew their lives.

The University of Miami inducted Jerome Brown into the UM Sports Hall of Fame posthumously in 1997.

Today, we remember Jerome Brown as a passionate player and upstanding person. He is, by far, the best player to don the 98 for the University of Miami.

What’s your favorite Jerome Brown memory? Let us know in the comments below. Or, if you think another 98 should get some love, let us know that too.

Rest in Peace, Jerome.

Go Canes