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Miami's three standout freshman linebackers were one of the top storylines from the 2016 season.
Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney, and Zach McCloud led what turned out to be an explosive and reliable core who thrived in Manny Diaz's scheme. Year two brings a new perspective for the group after a season of experience.
"It's paying off big-time. We get to learn at a better pace because we know the basics and know we can get to the ins-and-outs," McCloud said. "We get to be more comfortable because we're more familiar with the calls and everything. We pay attention more to the small details that we couldn't really focus on last year."
"Knowing the playbook more and all the time I've put into it, it definitely feels like I can play more freely," Quarterman said.
Miami brings in freshman linebacker Bradley Jennings, Jr. who McCloud said is already assimilating well into the bunch. Waynmon Steed is on campus but still recovering from a knee injury, while DeAndre Wilder arrives in the summer. McCloud however, is focused on improving is own game.
"My biggest competitor is myself. I watch film every day and the stat sheet and try to make sure those numbers are going up and the negative numbers are going down," he said.
Even with the taste of success last season, the group is lined up to take another step forward in their sophomore season.
"As a unit, we want to keep up with the standard that we've decided to live by," Quarterman explained.
"With the guys that played in the past, we have a standard we have to play towards. We're not there yet, but we'll get there," McCloud said.
Shaq Quarterman, Mike Pinckney, and Zach McCloud led what turned out to be an explosive and reliable core who thrived in Manny Diaz's scheme. Year two brings a new perspective for the group after a season of experience.
"It's paying off big-time. We get to learn at a better pace because we know the basics and know we can get to the ins-and-outs," McCloud said. "We get to be more comfortable because we're more familiar with the calls and everything. We pay attention more to the small details that we couldn't really focus on last year."
"Knowing the playbook more and all the time I've put into it, it definitely feels like I can play more freely," Quarterman said.
Miami brings in freshman linebacker Bradley Jennings, Jr. who McCloud said is already assimilating well into the bunch. Waynmon Steed is on campus but still recovering from a knee injury, while DeAndre Wilder arrives in the summer. McCloud however, is focused on improving is own game.
"My biggest competitor is myself. I watch film every day and the stat sheet and try to make sure those numbers are going up and the negative numbers are going down," he said.
Even with the taste of success last season, the group is lined up to take another step forward in their sophomore season.
"As a unit, we want to keep up with the standard that we've decided to live by," Quarterman explained.
"With the guys that played in the past, we have a standard we have to play towards. We're not there yet, but we'll get there," McCloud said.
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