2. Shaquille Quarterman returns a fumble 17 yards for a touchdown at Georgia Tech.
Georgia Tech’s Thomas was blindsided by Miami Defensive End Chad Thomas, Quarterman picked up the fumble and ran it in 17 yards for a touchdown to extend the Miami lead to 21-7. The play occurred 52 seconds after a Walton 14 yard run gave Miami a 14-7 lead and 17 seconds before Jackson’s scoop and score extended the lead to 28-7.
Quarterman made a plethora of big plays this season. He was a part of a trio of true freshman starters at linebacker this season with Zach McCloud and Michael Pinckney. Quarterman, Pinckney and Richards all earned Freshmen All-American Honors.
Quarterman finished the regular season as the co-leader in tackles tying with Carter. He finished 2016 with 84 tackles, ten tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.
With Miami losing most of its Defensive Backfield this season, Quarterman will be counted on to be one of the leaders from his Mike or Middle Linebacker spot next season.
He finished the Georgia Tech game with eight tackles in addition to the fumble return for a touchdown. It was one of six games this season that Quarterman had at least eight tackles. he reached double figures in tackles against North Carolina and Duke.