The Baltimore Ravens hit a homerun when they drafted a linebacker from “The U” way back in 1996. Could history repeat itself via Shaquille Quarterman?
Breakdown:
If you’re a fan of production and status, then Maimi FL.’s Shaquille Quarterman is your kind of player. Quarterman started in all four years he played for the Hurricanes, putting up some incredibly impressive numbers, and was a reliable and durable captain of their defense. There have been some pretty good linebackers to play at “The U” (hello, Ray Lewis), but Quarterman left his mark on the organization in a fabulous way.
Quarterman looks like the kind of linebacker you’d see in the 60s and 70s. He’s not the fastest guy on the field, but he plays with the confidence you want from your quarterback of the defense. Oh yeah, and this dude is a thumper. While far from a great athlete, Quarterman will give you everything he’s got on every down.
Notable stats for Shaquille Quarterman (full stats here) 2016-2019:
- 356 career tackles
- 46.5 career TFLs
- Six career turnovers (one interception, five fumble recoveries)
Strengths:
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- Four-year starter with production to match
- A compact frame at 6’0″ 234-lbs.
- Student of the game with a great football IQ; read and react is above-average
- Loves to hit
- A sure tackler if he gets his hands on you
- Does well to plug up run lanes
- Special teams contributor will get him on the field early in his career
Weaknesses:
- Slower linebacker (4.74 40-yard dash); average athlete at best
- Lack of speed really shows up when attempting to chase down plays; sideline-to-sideline speed is nonexistent
- Change of direction is lacking; stiff hips and lack of lateral agility
- Can get caught over-pursuing and takes bad angles to the ball
- Struggles to shed blocks once engaged
- Leaves a lot to be desired in pass coverage
Fit with the Ravens:
Beggars can’t be choosers. The Baltimore Ravens need depth at the inside linebacker spot and Shaquille Quarterman would give them just that. With what the team currently has to offer, Quarterman could even start and give the team the same or better production.
You absolutely love Quarterman’s leadership and he’s a tone-setting hitter in the middle of the field. Quarterman would benefit from the Ravens massive front line to keep him clean and snuff out the run. The way he plays the position reminds us of old-school linebackers who love to hit and always wrap up. He’s not the sexy linebacker that we’ve grown accustomed to in today’s NFL, but he’s far from a bad one.
Shaquille Quarterman is likely a two-down linebacker at the next level but offers a lot of consistency, leadership, and special teams ability to be a facet early in his career. The Baltimore Ravens are needy at the linebacker spot, and Quarterman would be a fine addition to the depth on day three.