Miami football has four of ACC’s top 25 2020 NFL Draft prospects

Shaquille Quarterman, LB (Sr., 6-1, 235)

Few players have epitomized Miami football over the past three years as much as Shaq Quarterman. Quarterman has been second in tackles for Miami in each of the past three seasons. No Miami football player has as many tackles during that time span than Quarterman’s 249. He has added 31.0 TFLs and 11.0 sacks.

Safety Jaquan Johnson’s graduation puts Quarterman in the spotlight as the leader on defense in 2019. As the Hurricanes rebuild their secondary, Quarterman, Pinckney and Zach McCloud enter their fourth seasons starting in the middle of the Miami defense. Working with the young players will be key for the Canes 2019 defense.

A safety has led the Miami defense in tackles in each of Diaz’s three seasons. Jamal Carter in 2016 and Johnson the last two years. Quarterman or Pinckney should challenge that pattern this season. Either of the Hurricanes star LBs could lead in tackles in 2019. Athlon loves Quarterman’s steadiness in the Miami defense.

"“All Quarterman has done is make plays since stepping onto the field as a starter in his very first game. An All-ACC honoree all three years, Quarterman finished with a career-best 14 tackles for a loss and six sacks last season. He has been as reliable as they come while anchoring the middle of the Hurricanes’ defense and is a fairly safe bet to continue in this role for an NFL team.”"

Quarterman seems likely to be a second-day pick in the NFL Draft next spring. Anything can happen in the next 12 months. Willis’ stock was like a roller coaster for the last year before shockingly going unselected in the NFL Draft earlier this month. Quarterman seems destined for a career more productive than where he’s drafted.