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Playing time for Miami Hurricanes linebackers shifting

By Alan Rubenstein

Louisiana Tech's J'Mar Smith (8) looks to split University of Miami's defending Sam Brooks Jr. (6) and Nesta Jade Silvera (1) during the Walk-On's Independence Bowl game against University of Miami in Shreveport, La. on Dec. 26.4e9a7512
Louisiana Tech's J'Mar Smith (8) looks to split University of Miami's defending Sam Brooks Jr. (6) and Nesta Jade Silvera (1) during the Walk-On's Independence Bowl game against University of Miami in Shreveport, La. on Dec. 26.4e9a7512 /
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The inconsistency at linebacker has the Miami Hurricanes shifting who is receiving snaps.

The younger Miami Hurricanes linebackers have been receiving increased snaps recently due to the inconsistent play of the veterans. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, sophomore Sam Brooks received 34 snaps in last week’s victory over North Carolina State to 30 for redshirt senior Zach McCloud.

McCloud was a three-year starter from 2016-2018 before decided to redshirt in 2019 because of decreasing snaps given to the striker position. None of the Miami linebackers are in the top six in tackles after Shaq Quarterman now with the Jacksonville Jaguars led Miami in 2019. McCloud leads the LBs with 22 tackles.

Junior Bradley Jennings Jr. is tied on Miami for third with six tackles for loss. Jennings played 55 snaps against North Carolina State. Brooks has 20 tackles, 0.5 TFLs and one pass breakup in 2020. Another young LB to watch is freshman Corey Flagg. Flagg has been more impressive than his four unassisted tackles would indicate.

McCloud brings excellent leadership to the Miami defense. Hurricanes head coach Manny Diaz has repeatedly said that football is a performance business. If the players are not performing on the field, they will be replaced. Flagg has missed the last two games because of an unspecified COVID-19 issue.

None of the Miami LBs are ranked highly nationally. The most productive LB for the Hurricanes in 2020 has been redshirt sophomore striker Gilbert Frierson. Striker is more of a hybrid between defensive back and LB. Frierson is third on Miami with 32 tackles, second with seven TFLs and tied for second with three pass breakups.

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According to Jackson, redshirt freshman Avery Huff and true freshman Tirek Austin-Cave had not progressed enough to earn snaps on defense. Austin-Cave and Huff each have three assists this season. Miami has yet to release a depth chart for Saturday. That is likely due to not knowing who will be available yet.

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