No complacency with UM’s linebackers

When sophomore linebacker Zach McCloud arrived last season at the University of Miami, his main goal was to take playing time from the older players.

After accomplishing that by starting 11 games, McCloud now finds himself on the other side. He now has to hold off the eager incoming freshmen from stealing his starting spot.

“If we go to the [NFL], we have to take another man’s job to be able to have your own job,” McCloud said. “It’s the same thing here, you’ve got to take my job or I have to take your job to be able to play.”

McCloud said the thought of losing his position to a younger player stays on the mind daily. It serves as motivation to perform at peak level at every practice.

“It’s breathing down my neck,” McCloud said of the pressure to remain a starter.

That attitude is what makes UM’s trio of sophomore linebackers so special. The group also includes Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinkney.

“I can’t be slacking and trying to work on the younger guys,” Quarterman said. “It doesn’t work like that, so I try to push myself to the best of my abilities.”

Still, defensive coordinator Manny Diaz said there are no guarantees because he expects the freshmen to compete throughout the season. Newcomers De’Andre Wilder and Bradley Jennings are among those searching for playing time.

“I think they feel like they’ve worked hard in the offseason, which they have,” Diaz said. “The only downside is all the people they’re competing against worked hard. We do remind them that they’re not special just because they’re working hard.”