Miami football more players in NFL.Com Top 150 than FSU, UF combined

Seven Miami football players were recently named to NFL.com’s top 150 for the 2018 season. That is more than rivals Florida State and Florida combined. The Gators and Seminoles only had three each named among the top 150.

The question of whether or not the U is back is presented almost every season. It’s a subjective question that depends on what the criteria are. In Florida, Miami football is certainly back and currently has the healthiest program.

Two offensive Miami football players and five on defense were named to the list by NFL.Com draft analyst Chad Reuter. Reuter profiled and gave analysis to each player in the top 50. The next 100 were just listed. Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman and safety Jaquan Johnson were ranked 23rd and 31st in the nation.

The other five Miami football players that are in the top 150 are wide receiver Ahmmon Richards, linebacker Michael Pinckney, running back Travis Homer, defensive end, Joe Jackson and cornerback Michael Jackson.

Richards could be a sleeper on this list. If not for injuries in 2017 he might have been higher up. If he can stay healthy he should rebound to the level he played at as a Freshman in 2016.

Quarterman and Johnson will lead the defense in 2018. Quarterman has been second on the Miami football team in tackles in each of his first two collegiate seasons.

Johnson was the team MVP in 2017. He led the team in tackles forced fumbles and tied for the team lead in interceptions and fumble recoveries. Reuter’s summary of Quarterman is that he has the potential to lead a defense early in his NFL Career.

"23) Shaquille Quarterman – Junior LB  “One of the top players in the country coming out of high school, Quarterman has lived up to the hype in his first two campaigns with the Hurricanes. He’s fast, instinctive, and a terrific tackler. A NFL team will give him the keys to the defense not long after he arrives.”"