Miami football has four of ACC’s top 25 2020 NFL Draft prospects
Michael Pinckney, LB (Sr., 6-1, 220)
Michael Pickney and Shaq Quarterman have been the centerpieces for the past three seasons. Quarterman has started every game of his Miami football career and Pinckney has started in 36 out of his 38 appearances. Pinckney has been third on Miami in tackles the last two seasons after finishing fifth as a freshman.
The Hurricanes two star linebackers will be the unquestioned leaders of the Miami defense in 2019. Pinckney and Quarterman are both three-down linebackers. After consecutive years of being named honorable mention All-ACC, Pinckney should make one of the top three All-Conference teams in 2019.
Pinckney is likely going to have to bulk up to play in the NFL. His official weight of 220 pounds is at least 15-20 pounds below the low end for an NFL linebacker. The NFL combine will be critical for Pinckney next March. Athlon is impressed with Pinckney’s consistency.
The ACC featured some excellent linebackers in coverage last season and they were led by Michael Pinckney and his 40.6 passer rating allowed. pic.twitter.com/kKH49MtBho
— PFF College (@PFF_College) May 19, 2019
"“Pinckney has received honorable mention All-ACC recognition each of the past two seasons as he teams with Shaquille Quarterman and Zach McCloud to give the Hurricanes one of the top linebacking trios in the country. Pinckney has been consistent when it comes to stuffing his stat sheet, as he’s recorded exactly 11 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception in each campaign. Consistent production across the board is something all NFL teams look for in a linebacker.”"
Pinckney and Quarterman are on track to be the first Miami linebacker drafted since Denzel Perryman by the then San Diego (and now Los Angeles) Chargers in 2015. They will be the first pair of linebacker from Miami taken in the same draft since Sean Spence and Olivier Vernon in 2012.