The 2020 NFL Draft is officially in the books and four Miami Hurricanes heard their name called. Although the Hurricanes did not have a player selected within the first three rounds, Miami finished second to Clemson for most picks in the ACC. Linebacker Shaq Quarterman, who started every game for the Hurricanes for four years, was the first player off the board. Four other Hurricanes signed as undrafted free agents and will look to secure a roster spot the hard way.
Hometown Hero
It’s fitting that Quarterman would lead the way as the first Miami player drafted, he’s been leading the Hurricanes since his first day of spring practice. The surprise was being chosen by his hometown team. Quarterman was born and raised in Jacksonville, Florida so he won’t have to go far at all. The Jacksonville Jaguars did their research and were met with rave reviews on everyone that has come in contact with Quarterman. Being at home also allows Shaq to do more work in his community, which was always a motivating factor behind his play.
No one more DUUUUVVAAAALL than this man.
Congratulations to @OgBoobie_Shaq on being selected by the @Jaguars! pic.twitter.com/qgnoD4lc46
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 25, 2020
Reunited In Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks are going back to back seasons with having drafted Miami Hurricane running backs. The Seahawks took Travis Homer in the sixth round and grabbed DeeJay Dallas in the fourth round, reuniting the close friends. Homer became the Seahawks starting running back in the playoffs, after being initially a mainly special teams contributor. In the same mold, Dallas also is a very good special teams player with return ability. In addition, Dallas was praised as the best pass blocking back in the draft. His versatility being able to break the big run, block and contribute on special teams makes Dallas a good pick.
.@DallasDeeJay: 𝘋𝘈𝘞𝘎
📺: 2020 @NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/PcoS06kJbX
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 25, 2020
Grab A Coat
Miami’s last two draft picks will be experiencing a change in climate, getting away from the warm South Florida sun. KJ Osborn was selected in the fifth round by the Minnesota Vikings. He’ll be moving closer to the type of weather he saw before transferring to Miami from the university of Buffalo. Weather will surely not affect Osborn as he was recognized as Miami’s hardest worker from the day he arrived. Although his stats went down from his junior season, his value grew at Miami. The Hurricanes saw a difference in field position when Osborn became the primary punt returner. He would finish fourth nationally in punt return yards per punt at almost 16 yards.
The last draft pick for Miami was Jonathan Garvin, the junior from West Palm Beach. He’s headed to Green Bay where his long arms will be relied on to help the Packers return back to the NFC Championship. In three years, Garvin amassed 12 sacks and 29 tackles for loss but even the coaches admit his best years are ahead of him. While he is not used to cold weather, he does know how to rush the passer and was a steal for Green Bay in the seventh round. His selection marks the fourth straight year that Miami has had a defensive end selected in the draft.
.@KJ_Osborn = the hardest worker in the building! @Vikings, you're getting a 𝙱𝙴𝙰𝚂𝚃 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/Esxvp9WGZG
— Miami Hurricanes Football (@CanesFootball) April 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/1254177377053220864?s=20
Undrafted Free Agents
While Miami had a group of guys selected, a few of their best players chose to forego their final year of eligibility and didn’t hear their name called. Jeff Thomas and Trevon Hill will both be headed to the New England Patriots. Trajan Bandy is headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Romeo Finley is headed to the Los Angeles Chargers. One notable that will be holding off on signing with any team for the moment is Michael Pinckney. The linebacker had off-season surgery on his hip and is a couple months away from making a full recovery. He’s expressed that he intends to select a team as he gets closer to full recovery.
