Quarterman leads the return of the all Junior linebacking core with Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud next to him. Quarterman and Pinckney were both ESPN true Freshmen All-Americans in 2016. All three players started as Freshman during Mark Richt’s first season leading the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami has lost some depth behind them entering 2018. Backup Jamie Gordinier decided to retire with chronic knee injuries. Darrion Owens decided to transfer to Houston. Owens set career highs with six solo tackles and nine total in the Orange Bowl loss to Wisconsin.
Pinckney finished third on Miami behind Johnson and Quarterman with 68 tackles. He was also third on the team with 11 tackles for loss. Pinckney also added 3.5 tackles for loss, one interception, two passes defended and a fumble recovery. McCloud finished 2018 with 48 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.
"42. Shaq Quarterman, LB, Miami Miami’s defense has a few faces to replace up front, but the linebacker unit should be among the best in the nation. Quarterman has started all 26 games in his career and finished 2017 with 83 tackles (seven for a loss). He earned second-team All-ACC honors last year."
Next: Where does Storm '18 among top 25 teams
With the Junior group of linebackers coming back in 2018 the Canes don’t have any pure linebackers in the Storm ’18 Class. DeAndre Wilder, Mike Smith, Charles Perry, Waynmon Steed and Bradley Jennings are the players to watch at linebacker behind the Miami veterans starters.