Miami Hurricanes Football: Five Juniors That Are Ready to Take the Next Step

Oct 23, 2014; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies quarterback Michael Brewer (12) looks to pass as Miami Hurricanes linebacker Jermaine Grace (5) presures in the fourth quarter at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Jermaine Grace – Linebacker

The first three guys on this post are offensive players so now let’s get to some of the defensive guys. Coming out of Miramar High School, Jermaine Grace was one of the highest ranked linebackers in the country. The only question with him was, when will he put on weight and reach his potential? Well, that answer might just be this year.

Grace isn’t crazy big or anything, being listed at 208, but he has gotten significantly stronger and he plays with incredible speed at the linebacker position. Grace took a huge step forward last season, recording 60 tackles on the year, which was second on the team behind just Denzel Perryman.

The junior from Miramar will hold down the weak side linebacker position for the Canes this season, and I think he’ll have an even bigger year than he did last season. Grace showed Canes fans what he could do last season, but I think this year he introduces himself to a lot more people than just Hurricanes fans.

Next: Jamal Carter