Jackson, Quarterman earn ACC honors
CORAL GABLES The Miami Hurricanes’ defense was an absolute force in Thursday’s 47-10 win over North Carolina at Hard Rock Stadium.
On Monday, two of Miami’s top defensive players were honored for their play in that dominant performance.
Defensive end Joe Jackson was named ACC Defensive Lineman of the Week, while teammate Shaq Quarterman earned ACC Co-Linebacker of the Week honors.
Jackson had the opportunity to wear the Hurricanes’ famed Turnover Chain for the first time in his career after scoring one of Miami’s three defensive touchdowns on a 42-yard interception return.
He also finished with five tackles, a sack and forced two fumbles. His athleticism on the interception return elicited plenty of cheers from teammates and prompted Hurricanes coach Mark Richt to joke in his postgame news conference that he was moving Jackson from defensive end to tight end.
Richt was still raving about Jackson’s performance on Monday.
“He was awesome. He was fun,” Richt said during his weekly radio appearance on WQAM-560. “It was right in his gut and he took it to the house. He was showing his speed and all that kind of good stuff. I told him in the locker room after the game, ‘Joe, I promise you a minimum of two jump balls in the end zone as a tight end or receiver. And every time you catch one, I’ll throw another one to you. That’s my promise to you … next season.’“
Jackson, a junior, will be eligible for the NFL draft next season and has already generated buzz as a potential first round pick.
Quarterman, who will also be draft eligible after the season, missed much of the second half of Thursday’s game with an ankle injury, but was still dominant enough to earn CoLinebacker of the Week honors with FSU’s DeCalon Brooks.
Quarterman had a career-high three tackles for loss and finished with two sacks for the first time in his career. He forced a fumble that teammate Jon Garvin returned for a touchdown, broke up a pass and notched a quarterback hurry.
He also was one of three Hurricanes to notch five tackles in the win.
UM-Virginia set for prime time: The Hurricanes have to contend with rival Florida State this week before they can fully turn their attention to a Coastal Division showdown with Virginia, but they now know they’ll face a nighttime matchup against the Cavaliers.
The ACC announced Monday that the Oct. 13 game between No. 17 Miami and Virginia is set to kick off at 7 and will be televised on either ESPN2 or ESPNU.