Tag: Miami Hurricanes

Can the Patriots get undrafted WR Jeff Thomas to reach his potential?

New Patriots UDFA WR needs to change in New England.

The New England Patriots have a knack for finding guys in the free agent pool after the draft. Cornerback J.C. Jackson has come on strong in the past two years after going undrafted in 2018. Adam Butler is nearing the end of his rookie deal and is looking to earn himself a contract. Malcolm Butler became a Super Bowl hero and an All-Pro.

This year, the Patriots brought in 16 undrafted free agents immediately following the draft. One of them has a lot of potential, but his decision-making has been what has held him back.

Former Miami Hurricanes receiver Jeff Thomas had an interesting story in college. He was a four-star prospect coming out of high school and looked to make an impact with the Hurricanes. He was able to line up out wide, return kicks, and even run the ball a few times.

However, after a few suspensions due to team-rule violations, head coach Mark Richt dismissed Thomas from the team. While the violations were not released, Thomas had fought with his positions coach, didn’t attend practices, and was considering transferring to Illinois, according to The Miami Herald.

Despite that, when coach Manny Diaz stepped up to replace Richt, Thomas was invited back onto the team with open arms. In total, Thomas recorded 83 receptions for 1,316 yards and eight touchdowns, adding on a 22.6 yards per return on kickoffs and 18.9 yards per return on punts. That was with multiple missed games due to suspension.

The Patriots aren’t afraid to go after guys with some character concerns. They took a chance on the aforementioned Jackson was arrested and tried for armed robbery before he was drafted. Former Patriots wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins got in trouble with the law on multiple occasions in high school.

Thomas has the opportunity of a lifetime ahead of him, and Bill Belichick needs to help him reach his potential.

There are no guarantees for the Patriots this season. Without Tom Brady, their options on offense are limited. But there are plenty of opportunities. Now is the perfect time for a guy like Thomas to make his mark and find a role. At 5-foot-8, it’s not likely that he’ll be a dominant outside presence, but he may be able to work the slot, the screen game, and end-arounds.

On special teams, Thomas could finally be their guy to do it all. The Patriots have struggled to find a consistent punt returner since Julian Edelman ascended to the top of the depth chart. And in the kick return game, there hasn’t been a multi-year returner since the days of Ellis Hobbs.

If Thomas can play in a role similar, but smaller, to former Rams wideout/returner Tavon Austin, the Patriots would be overjoyed. Adding a versatile weapon to the offense and special teams groups could provide a huge spark to this 2020 New England Patriots team.

It’s a longshot to say that Thomas will make the Patriots 53-man roster, but he has the talent to do so. It will just take the right coaching to get him there.

[vertical-gallery id=85838]

Shaq Quarterman discusses the surreal feeling of playing for his hometown team

The Jacksonville Jaguars had quite a productive weekend after they utilized all 12 of their 2020 NFL Draft selections and will look to build a new nucleus after dismantling their roster to reallocate their salary situation. Amongst the picks made …

The Jacksonville Jaguars had quite a productive weekend after they utilized all 12 of their 2020 NFL Draft selections and will look to build a new nucleus after dismantling their roster to reallocate their salary situation. Amongst the picks made was that of Jacksonville native Shaq Quarterman, whose dream came true the moment he picked up Saturday’s call from general manager Dave Caldwell.

After things settled down in the Quarterman household, Shaq took some time out to discuss the grand opportunity ahead of him and explained just how much of an honor it was to play for his hometown team.

“It’s an awesome blessing to play for any team in a National Football League, but being able to stay home is just a different feeling. It’s a very different feeling” Quarterman said. “I’m just so happy that I had the opportunity to do it because, to be honest, most people don’t get the chance to do that. Repping the brand has always been a thing for me, especially Jacksonville with that 904. I’ve been throwing my fours up since I got to college. So I’m excited.”

Quarterman was a super-productive leader for the Hurricane’s defense, taking the field dating back to his time as a freshman. In fact, he proved to be an ironman for them, playing in every game of his four years there. By the time he wrapped up his college career in Miami, he totaled a whopping 356 tackles (46.5 of which were for loss) and 12 sacks.

When considering his stat-line, leadership skills, and the Jags’ struggles to stop the run, the pairing makes a ton of sense. Sure, with Myles Jack and Joe Schobert holding down things within the linebacking group, Quarterman won’t be asked to do a lot immediately, but if brought along properly, he can be a big-time contributor on defense. He also could be a great asset as a reserve in 2020 as Jack battled injuries in 2019 and was placed on injured reserve (knee).

Of course, Quarterman should also get a lot of snaps on special teams and it should be fun to watch him lay some bone-chilling hits for Joe DeCamillis’ group. Regardless of where it is that he’s making an impact though, fans will be certainly rooting for him this summer and fall as he looks to start making his imprint and stick around as a hometown favorite.

Jaguars select Miami (FL) LB Shaquille Quarterman with pick No. 140

The Jags pulled the trigger on a Jacksonville native in Miami LB Shaquille Quarterman for pick No. 140.

The Jacksonville Jaguars continued to fill needs on the defense with the selection of Shaquille Quarterman in the fourth round (selection No. 140). Quarterman is a local prospect from Orange Park, FL. and attended Oakleaf High School before moving on to the University of Miami.

Quarterman is coming off a 2019 season in which he garnered first-team All-ACC honors as a senior after racking up 107 tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and 1.0 sack. He started all 52 games in college, which was a school record for consecutive starts.

With the depth at linebacker looking shaky, this selection makes a lot of sense. That’s especially the case after coach Doug Marrone informed the media that the Jags would be moving to a 3-4 defensive scheme on base downs.

Quarterman will get the chance to learn from veteran linebackers Myles Jack and the newly acquired, former Pro-Bowler, Joe Schobert. He’ll also get to learn from the Jags young linebackers in Leon Jacobs and Quincy Williams. Marrone also brought up in the aforementioned conference call making physicality and tackling a priority. Their moves in free agency, along with the selections they’ve made thus far in the front seven, certainly reflect that concern.

2020 NFL draft: DeeJay Dallas scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Miami running back prospect DeeJay Dallas

DeeJay Dallas | RB | Miami (FL)

Elevator Pitch

Dallas could be a short-yardage back at the NFL level. With his burst at the line, he could be a handful for some defenders to deal with. Not your open field speed back, but his power is one of best assets. Could be a punishing finisher when teams get deep in plus territory.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 217

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Dallas runs with tremendous balance even when contacted. His compact frame allows him to absorb the contact from defenders. He can take punishment and as long as he keeps his feet moving, he is hard to bring down. Very much a back you want with the ball in his hands near the goal line where defenses really stiffen up.

He runs hard, while not being the fastest back on the field, he can keep plays alive that should be blown dead in the backfield. He seems to enjoy taking hits as he fights through with a good center of gravity due to his frame. Shows good pad level. Not breakaway speedster but has the juice to bust off some long runs after forcing missed tackles.

After being a quarterback in high school and playing wide receiver and running back, Dallas could be used in special teams as a returner. Shows good vision at the second and third levels. Has the ability to be a good receiver and does a decent enough job as a blocker.

Weaknesses

Dallas is a bit raw as he is still learning the position after moving from quarterback and wide receiver. Teams will need to work with him on his assignments in the passing game. Just a matter of being young that is hurting him at this point with the running back job.

While he will use the physical frame to get lose in the second and third levels, he definitely isn’t a home run threat. He doesn’t have that top end gear to stretch the field and put pressure on teams in the chase. He needs to keep the feet moving, once they stop he doesn’t get going again which kills the play.

Projection: Day 3

[vertical-gallery id=615330]

Meet Shaquille Quarterman, Miami’s hard-hitting LB prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Miami linebacker prospect Shaquille Quarterman

Durability, production, and a motor that never stops. Three things that every NFL team wants in a linebacker prospect, and three things that Miami’s Shaquille Quarterman brings to the table.

One of the most experienced and productive linebackers in the 2020 NFL draft class, Quarterman recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about his experience at the NFL Scouting Combine, why it was important for him to finish what he started at Miami, and what kind of player he’ll be at the next level.

JM: You had a great senior season. You posted 107 total tackles, 15.5 of which went for a loss. What is it about your game that lead to that sort of production?

SQ: I just think that my mentality was at such a high level this year. My coaches put me in such a great position to succeed. They’ve always put me in a position to be a successful linebacker. All I had to do was go out there and do it. I really have to give all praise to our coaching staff. They helped me prepare for this season.

JM: You made 52 starts without missing a single game. It’s amazing how durable you’ve been.

SQ: I honestly just listen to my mentors: Jon Beason, Jon Vilma and D.J. Williams. All three of them played the linebacker position at such a high level, and they’ve given me such great advice. They taught me the importance of taking care of your body. They showed me that longevity and being available is the key to success. I took their advice and I just ran with it.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What was your experience like at the NFL Scouting Combine?

SQ: It was definitely interesting, to say the least. I really enjoyed it. It was a process, and there are parts of the process that were grueling, such as waiting around for hours at the hospital for the medical checks. I really enjoyed it, though. When it finally came time to compete, it felt a little like the recruitment process in high school. You’re just going out there alongside your peers and performing in front of all 32 teams. It gave me a chance to show that I belong.

JM: What do you think is the overall impression that you left out there?

SQ: I felt like I was well-received out there. There were a lot of people that weren’t giving me that much attention prior to the combine. We didn’t have a very good season, and that can sometimes lead to a guy getting overlooked. I feel like I showed up to every event and performed at a high level. I turned a lot of heads in the bench press.

I worked my hardest all the way until the end. I think my energy remained at a high level throughout the on-field drills, as well. I had a great time getting to know a lot of the coaches. There were so many great people there.

JM: Did you have a lot of formal interviews out there?

SQ: I had a couple of informals. I enjoyed them. I also met formally with the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants.

JM: That’s great. Do you have any private visits coming up?

SQ: I’m actually meeting with the Bills tomorrow (March 10th), and the Giants in early April. I’m taking a visit to Houston to meet with the Texans, as well. Those are the three that we currently have scheduled.

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What’s your favorite part about playing the linebacker position?

SQ: My favorite part about playing linebacker is definitely quieting the crowd down. You can do a lot of damage as a linebacker. Making a big play on defense really quiets the home crowd. I love that. If you’re playing on the road and force a turnover, that’s such a great feeling. The entire stadium minus our fans just stop making noise. They go dead silent. You can hear a pin drop. That’s such an amazing feeling. I just love making that impact on the game.

JM: What was the strangest question you were asked at the combine?

SQ: Truthfully, I didn’t really get any strange questions. Everything was straight forward. We just talked about our defense and football in general. I had talked to a bunch of my ex-teammates who have gone through the process and they told me about all the strange questions that they were asked. I didn’t get any though. I guess I’ve been well behaved (laughs).

JM: Who are some of the best players you’ve played against throughout your time at Miami?

SQ: Dalvin Cook definitely comes to mind. I really enjoyed playing against him. He’s such a great player. Jonathan Taylor was another one. Those two guys were a lot of fun to play against.

JM: You’ve had so many great teammates throughout your time at Miami, but if you were going into battle tomorrow and could only bring one with you, who would you bring and why?

SQ: Michael Pinckney. We’ve been together for four years straight. He means a lot to me. We came in at the same time. We’re actually from the same city. We got to finish what we started. It means that much more to us. I remember when I first got to Miami as a freshman, I was talking to an older player that told me you don’t always get to finish with who you started with. I started to realize over time that that was the honest truth.

Michael and I got to start and finish together. Michael and I stayed together through it all. We played side by side. We sat next to each other in the meeting room. We never switched it up. He’s definitely a special guy.

JM: When a team uses one of their draft picks on Shaquille Quarterman, what kind of guy are they getting?

SQ: They’re getting a guy that’s all about the team. I’m gonna follow the standard that’s set by the organization and represent them with a smile on my face. That’s what I did in high school, that’s what I’ve done at Miami and it’s what I’m gonna do at the next level as well. I’m dependable and accountable. I’m also a great football player at the end of the day. I’m all about the team. You can’t go wrong with drafting a guy like that.

[vertical-gallery id=614815]

Cam Akers, Solomon Kindley amongst notables who’ve met with Jags at 2020 NFL Combine so far

The Jags have met with several at the combine so far, including Jax native Solomon Kindley and FSU’s Cam Akers.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ staff has been hard at work this week on their business trip to Indy, home of the NFL Combine. While waiting for the performance drill portion of the annual event, the team has reportedly gotten to interview several familiar players to fans, including DeeJay Dallas, Cam Akers, Solomon Kindley, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire to name a few.

Dallas, 21, played collegiately with the Miami Hurricanes where he accumulated 1,527 career rushing yards, 317 career receiving yards and 19 total touchdowns. He is a player who the Jags are well aware of as he is a native of Brunswick, Ga., a city just 70 miles from Jacksonville and attended Glenn Academy there. He’s also a player who offers physicality as a runner, and according to draft pundits, he could be selected between the fifth and seventh rounds.

Akers, 20, attended college down the road from Jacksonville at Florida State University. While there he accumulated 2,875 career rushing yards, 486 career receiving yards, and 34 total touchdowns. At 5-foot-11, 212 pounds, he brings a mix of size and shiftiness to the table and is projected to be a second or third round pick.

At 6-foot-3, 336 pounds, Kindley was a force for the Georgia Bulldogs in the trenches and would give the Jags a physical run blocker at guard. While at UGA, he started in 32 games and paved lanes for rushers like Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, and DeAndre Swift. He also is a Jacksonville native who attended Raines High School and is expected to be a late first round to early second round selection.

Lastly, Edwards-Helaire is a player who attended Louisiana State and is one of many national champions to enter the draft. At 5-foot-8, 209 pounds, he’s a player who will remind fans of Maurice Jones-Drew as he welcomes contact but also showcases breakaway speed on tape. Most draft pundits believe he’ll be selected in the third round.

The Jags will meet with a lot of prospects over the next few months but it’s still worth keeping tabs on their meetings to reflect back on when the selections are made. We’ll continue to monitor who the Jags speak with this week as more reports are sure to come out.

Meet Michael Pinckney, Miami’s stud of a LB prospect

Check out Draft Wire’s exclusive interview with Miami linebacker Michael Pinckney

The Miami Hurricanes have been churning out top linebacker prospects for years, and Michael Pinckney hopes to add to that illustrious tradition.

An all-conference pick in 2019, Pinckney recently spoke exclusively with Draft Wire about how playing at Miami prepared him for the next level, why he can’t wait to tackle Saquon Barkley, and why an NFL team should take a chance on him in the 2020 NFL draft.

JM: You played your senior season at Miami, and you’ve been a starter since 2016. How does that experience serve you well going forward?

MP: It just shows you how much experience I have playing this game. I’ve been through the ups and downs football can take you through. I’ve been faced with many challenges throughout my time at Miami. I’m ready to face anything head on.

JM: This is a long, yet rewarding process. What are you most excited for throughout all this?

MP: I’m just excited to get on a team and make the most of my opportunity. I’m excited to go out there and compete with the guys at the combine and at my Pro Day. I’m ready to get back to football. There’s been a lot of practice throughout this process. The bulk of this process isn’t even over yet. I’m just excited to go compete.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

JM: What do you enjoy more, playing downhill in the run game or dropping back into coverage?

MP: I feel like I do both very well. You have to be able to do both in today’s game. I’m a three-down linebacker at the end of the day. That’s just my opinion. I’m so versatile that I can do both.

JM: What are three traits a successful linebacker must possess?

MP: We have to be instinctive. We have to be able to read the game at a high level. Your mental processing skills have to be on point. We have to play fast. Toughness would be my last choice. You can’t shy away from contact. You better be a tough linebacker.

JM: Playing at Miami afforded you the opportunity to play against some of the best competition college football has to offer. Who are some of the best players you’ve ever gone up against?

MP: Dalvin Cook was probably the best player I’ve ever played against. He stands out as the best in my career. He’s just a phenomenal guy and player. He really made me take notice. I played against him during my freshmen year. I believe he was a junior. He was amazing, man. I had never seen a guy play the game the way he does.

Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

JM: He’s been pretty special for the Minnesota Vikings.

MP: He’s been doing a great job. Before this season, I don’t really think he was getting the respect he deserved. I saw way too many negative comments about him. You have to understand that it’s tough to come into the NFL and make an immediate impact. He wasn’t all the way healthy. It took him some time but he really put it together this year. He proved a lot of people wrong. I know what he’s capable of.

JM: Besides him, is there one NFL running back that you’d love to tackle behind the line of scrimmage?

MP: I would probably go with Saquon Barkley. He’s an amazing player. I’ve heard guys talk about how hard he is to tackle. Tackling him behind the line of scrimmage would be a big accomplishment, especially as a rookie. Not everybody gets a chance to do that.

JM: What about one NFL quarterback you’d love to intercept?

MP: Tom Brady. That’s an easy one for me. He’s the GOAT. Everybody knows that Tom Brady is the GOAT. If you pick off the GOAT, that’s something you can tell your grand-kids about one day (laughs). I would never stop talking about that.

JM: Why should an NFL team use one of their draft picks on Michael Pinckney?

MP: They’re gonna get a winner, first and foremost. You’re gonna get a guy that’s coming into the next level extremely motivated. I’m excited to be in this position. I’ll go anywhere and put my best foot forward. I’m gonna make a big impact as a team-first guy. I love to win.

[vertical-gallery id=613832]

Former Ravens S Ed Reed new University of Miami ‘Chief of Staff’

Former Baltimore Ravens and University of Miami safety will be returning to his alma mater as their new “Chief of staff” under Manny Diaz

Former Baltimore Ravens legend and Hall of Fame safety is returning to his alma mater. The University of Miami has hired Reed to be their “Chief of Staff” and will be an adviser in all matters to coach Manny Diaz, according to the team’s website.

“We are thrilled to welcome Ed back to Coral Gables,” Diaz said. “He is not only one of the most decorated players in Miami football history but also a devoted Cane who cares deeply about this program. All of our players, coaches and staff will be fortunate to tap into his experience, knowledge and passion on a regular basis.”

Reed played safety for the Hurricanes and was a first-team All American in 2000 and 2001 before being selected by Baltimore in the first round of the 2002 NFL draft. He continued that impressive legacy with the Ravens, going to the Pro Bowl in nine of his 11 seasons with the team. Reed was quickly named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility, getting a consensus vote after just two minutes of deliberation.

Reed has said he wanted to get back into coaching and this will seemingly give him an opportunity to do a little bit of everything. He previously held a position as an assistant defensive backs coach with former Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan when he was the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, but was relieved of duty when Ryan was fired.

[vertical-gallery id=30322]

Does LSU’s unprecdented season make it the best team of the last 50 years?

LSU is the national champ so let the debate begin where the 15-0 Tigers rank among all-time greats.

College football has seen its share of dynasties. This isn’t about multiple years, rather single-season accomplishments. In this age of 14- and 15-game marathons that start in August and end in mid-January, there is an argument that LSU has completed the greatest season of this era. Or, many eras. While the game is college football, conferences realigning and schedules extending make it almost implausible to come up with an apples to apples measuring stick. Will limit this to teams from that played after 1970.

1971 Nebraska

Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The Huskers’ defense held opponents to a remarkable 8.2 points per game while scoring an average of 39 per contest. On Thanksgiving Day, the Huskers beat No. 2 Oklahoma 35-31 in a “Game of the Century.” Nebraska then walloped another  No. 2, Alabama, 38-6, in the Orange Bowl.

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5, Page 6, Page 7, Page 8, Page 9, Page 10, Page 11