This hard-hitting Miami standout ‘opted in’ for a fifth year: ‘Live with no regrets’
The former University of Miami defensive triumvirate, once known as the nation’s only starting linebacker corps to play together as true freshmen, has gone its separate way.
Two of the three have moved on to NFL aspirations — Shaq Quarterman as a fourth-round draft choice for the Jacksonville Jaguars and Michael Pinckney as an undrafted free agent recuperating from hip surgery while preparing for what he hopes will be a future pro career.
Zach McCloud chose another path.
Unlike other college football standouts who have chosen to opt out of this season in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, McCloud has opted in, so to speak, for a fifth season — and he’s still confident he made the right decision. McCloud, who announced as a senior last September that he would redshirt in 2019 and come back to play in 2020, will take the place that Quarterman held in the middle and be the wise, highly skilled veteran that UM’s young, inexperienced corps badly needs.
“It’s definitely a little bit peculiar,’’ UM coach Manny Diaz said about McCloud being in training camp without buddies Quarterman and Pinckney, “but I know Zach provides great value for not just our defenders but our football team. It helps when your best players are also your best people.”
Sharp intellect
The 6-2, 235-pound McCloud, out of Lantana Santaluces High, is a hard hitter with a sharp intellect. When asked Friday after UM’s opening night of training camp whether he began to think, “Uh oh, what did I do?” as South Florida got deeper into the summer and coronavirus pandemic, McCloud didn’t flinch.
“They say, ‘Live with no regrets,’ or something like that,’’ he said. “Every decision that I make I stand on to the best of my ability. I put a lot of thought and consideration in it. So, regardless of the circumstances happening around the world, I did what I thought was best.
“There’s no going back on that.’’
In his 44 games over the past four seasons (four in 2019, which allowed him to get another year of eligibility) McCloud amassed 138 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. He played strongside linebacker, but was getting little playing time as a senior because of the hybrid safety/linebacker “striker” position that UM implemented — and ultimately left McCloud off the field.
Best for last
After the first three games, McCloud sat out until the Nov. 26 road trip to Pittsburgh, where he replaced the injured Pinckney for his final game and first start of the year. It was a good one, as McCloud had five tackles and a pass deflection that turned into a DJ Ivey interception in UM’s 16-12 win.
“It was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,’’ McCloud said at Pitt. “I’m just trying to accomplish being the greatest me I can be before I take the next step.’’
On Friday, he said he was still “very thankful and blessed’’ to be where he is now, and making sure he cross-trains and stays proficient at the strongside/striker position, in case he’s ever needed there. When asked if he felt old out there, he said he’s “out there running with the best of them.”
“I still move like those young cats.’’
As far as how weird it is being without Quarterman and Pinckney, McCloud said, “We’ve had our words about it, but it’s like a ‘You-know-what-to-do’ type thing. There’s not a whole lot that can be said at this point that we haven’t already talked about. It’s always going to be different being on the field without them. They left such an impression on me — that’s part of the feeling of not having them with me that kind of keeps them right there. “
‘Ninja Turtle’
▪ Sophomore Sam Brooks, 6-2 and up to 224 pounds, appears to be the favorite to replace Pinckney at weakside. Brooks made his first career start Dec. 26 in the Independence Bowl, leading all players with 12 tackles. “Some guys kind of physically stand out,’’ defensive coordinator Blake Baker said. “Sam Brooks is probably at the top of the list. I call him ‘Big Back’ because he looks like a Ninja Turtle carrying his shell around.
“He has really changed his body, has really big shoulders — really wide shoulders. He did a great job over the quarantine.”
▪ Baker said Brooks, redshirt junior B.J. Jennings and freshman Corey Flagg have picked up the defense “really, really quickly.”
“That room is going to be so competitive. I’m so excited to watch it this fall camp. I always think it spices up the competition when they know there’s an open spot to take.’’
This story was originally published August 9, 2020 at 10:39 AM.
