Top 2020 NFL Draft prospects to watch in Miami vs. Florida

4. Shaquille Quarterman, LB, Miami

Perine will have his work cut out for him, as he tries to find running room against Miami. Linebacker Shaquille Quarterman is a major reason why this is going to be a tough test for Perine.

Quarterman is entering his fourth season as a full-time starting linebacker for the Hurricanes. Through 39 career games, Quarterman has piled up an impressive 249 tackles, including 31 for loss. He has also shown an ability to make an impact as a blitzer, piling up 11 sacks throughout his career.

Quarterman is a traditional MIKE linebacker whose primary value is against the run. He is a physical thumper in the middle of the field who reads blocks well and does a great job of fighting through the mess of the interior run game.

He is relatively limited in coverage, but do not discount Quarterman’s speed and overall athletic ability. The star linebacker closes on the ball carrier quickly and shows the necessary quickness to knife through blocks on a consistent basis.

Quarterman will have to improve his overall coverage ability in order to become a premier prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft. As of right now, NFL teams will be able to count on Quarterman as their MIKE linebacker right away. That being said, he is fairly limited as an early-down player. In today’s NFL, that kind of linebacker only holds so much value.

Quarterman undoubtedly has a great chance to improve his draft stock over his senior season and it all starts on Saturday against Florida. He is one of the most interesting players to watch on opening weekend.