Miami Football five questions for final scrimmage

Who will be the starting linebacker next to Zach McCloud?

Zach McCloud took a redshirt season in 2019 to return this season and be the cornerstone at linebacker. Whether McCloud starts at middle LB or weakside is to be determined.

Sam Brooks was the favorite to start at WLB and McCloud was destined for the middle entering training camp.  Brooks had 12 tackles in the Independence Bowl loss to Louisiana Tech last season.

Redshirt junior Bradley Jennings Jr. has come back strong from injury and has a chance to beat out Brooks and become the starting MLB. That would move McCloud to the WLB or WILL LB. The depth for Miami at LB in 2020 has improved greatly.

Behind McCloud, Brooks and Jennings, Miami has redshirt freshman Avery Huff and true freshmen Tirek Austin-Cave and Corey Flagg. Diaz has been impressed with the hard-hitting by Austin-Cave and Flagg during the first two scrimmages. The expectation will be for McCloud, Brooks and Jennings to be the main rotation at LB.

Huff will likely see a lot of snaps behind them. Watching the LBs this season without four-year starters Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney who graduated will be new for Miami football fans. McCloud provides a steady veteran presence. Jennings has been around to know the defense without much playing experience.