University of Miami Freshmen Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney are taking no time in showing fans why they were two of the highest sought after linebackers in the country. As early enrollees, Pinckney and Quarterman began their college careers in January after graduating from High School ahead of their senior classes. Quarterman plans to return to walk with his class in June.
Freshman LB Shaq Quarterman after the spring game pic.twitter.com/cqW1Q9qYXq
— J.T. Wilcox (@JTWilcoxSports) April 16, 2016
Shaq Quarterman terrorized the sidelines at Oakleaf High School in Orange Park just a skip west of Jacksonville. He finished his High School career with 412 tackles, and 6 sacks at Linebacker. He also added 3 touchdowns on offense at Fullback before it was all said and done. At 6’2 230lbs he was already the ideal size for a college Linebacker even before he tore up the spring practice fields in Miami. Its no wonder that Quarterman was named spring defensive leader for the Canes, in just his first year.
Congrats to @OgBoobie_Shaq for sharing our Leadership Award with @Qua_Nito for the Defense this spring! #Attack pic.twitter.com/lN18AemEtd
— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) April 16, 2016
Michael Pinckney committed to Miami almost three years ago going into his junior season, and the hiring of Head Coach Mark Richt didn’t sway his decision this past fall. He always knew he wanted to be a Hurricane, so the staff already knew they had a young man who wanted to throw up the “U”. If they had any questions about Pinckney’s playing ability before he stepped on the field for spring practice, he certainly answered them after he walked off for the spring game. Michael was the recipient of the “Most Improved Linebacker Award” this spring, showcasing a wide array of abilities that many of us saw while playing here in Jacksonville.
Pinckney graduated from Raines High School on Jackaonville’s Northside. He led his team all the way to the State Championship game where they finished as State Runner Ups. The 6’2 225lb Pinckney has shown in just his first spring that he will be able to execute the aggressive defensive scheme of coordinator Manny Diaz.
Proud of @56_Nightmares for winning Most Improved LB! Improvement never stops! #Attack pic.twitter.com/FAc4aIw7zl
— Manny Diaz (@Coach_MannyDiaz) April 16, 2016
The Miami Hurricanes wrapped up their spring game today with Quarterman and Pinckney starting on the first team defense. Shaq finished the first half with seven tackles and a sack, impressing many coaches, and local media in Miami. Michael flew all over the field as fans and teammates marveled at the range of his athleticism on defense. Both freshman linebackers gave Hurricane fans something to look forward to for the next couple of years;but more importantly, they’ve given the hometown fans something extraordinary to be proud of.
Featured Image Courtesy of Twitter
