Former UCLA Bruins Star Replaces 1st Overall Pick, Gets Nod For Cleveland Browns
Former UCLA QB Surpasses Jameis Winston
The Browns selected Thompson-Robinson in the fifth round of the 2023 draft. He filled in for the injured Watson for three games, putting up modest stats. However, he made an impression during the Browns’ preseason this year, completing 69% of his passes for 375 yards over three games and earning the third quarterback spot on the roster ahead of veteran Tyler Huntley.
Before their matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, it was reported that he had moved up the depth chart, surpassing former first-overall pick Jameis Winston.
Late in the first half of that game, with about 1:30 remaining, Watson suffered what appeared to be an Achilles injury and was taken off the field on a cart. Thompson-Robinson stepped in and guided the team 23 yards for a touchdown.
The 6-foot-2, 191-pound native of South Carolina played for UCLA from 2018 to 2022, where he recorded impressive stats throughout his career with the Bruins. He completed 63.1% of his passes for a total of 10,739 yards, 88 touchdowns, and 27 interceptions. Additionally, Thompson-Robinson demonstrated his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for 1,397 yards and 18 touchdowns. His final season at UCLA was particularly noteworthy, as he completed 68.3% of his passes for 3,675 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions, while also rushing for 646 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Thompson-Robinson received recognition from his alma mater after current UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers scored a touchdown on a 49-yard scramble during their victorious game against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Moves that would make @DoriansTweets proud 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/N10A38MHug
— UCLA Football (@UCLAFootball) October 19, 2024