Miami football 5 questions for first scrimmage Sunday
Who will start at linebacker?
Zach McCloud returns after redshirting as a junior in 2019 to become the Hurricanes’ first new starting middle LB since 2016.
McCloud started as a strongside LB from 2016-2018 with Quarterman at MLB and Pinckney as the weakside LB.
McCloud moves over a spot in 2020. McCloud, Pinckney and Quarterman entered Miami together in 2016 and started as true freshmen.
Manny Diaz on what it was like to take the field today without Shaq Quarterman and Mike Pinckney: "It's definitely a little peculiar..."
— Christy Chirinos (@ChristyChirinos) August 8, 2020
Notes, again, how much it helps to have a veteran Zach McCloud back.
With the striker position becoming more prevalent in 2019 McCloud chose to redshirt last season knowing he would have an opportunity to play MLB in 2020. McCloud gives Miami more size in the middle than Quarterman did.
This will be McCloud’s defense as the most experienced player in starts and years he has been on the Hurricanes roster. Sophomore Sam Brooks is the favorite to star at WLB next to McCloud. Brooks has 12 tackles starting in place of Pinckney in the Independence Bowl loss to Louisiana Tech in December.
Next. Manny Diaz redefining bubble. dark
Redshirt freshman Avery Huff will also likely be a big part of the Hurricanes rotation at LB. Veterans Bradley Jennings Jr, Waynmon Steed and Patrick Joyner add depth. The latter three will have an opportunity to show they are healed from injuries and ready to contribute in 2020. Baker is happy with the progress at LB.