Miami Football: 3 players poised to break out in 2020 season

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 11: Sebastian the Mascot performs prior to the game between the Miami Hurricanes and the Virginia Cavaliers at Hard Rock Stadium on October 11, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

1. Sam Brooks

For the past four seasons, Miami has gotten to trot out Shaq Quarterman and Michael Pinckney and they were one of the most productive linebacker duos in the country and also brought great leadership to the locker room.

Zach McCloud redshirted last season and should step into the middle linebacker spot vacated by Quarterman.

One of the other two spots should be occupied by the ultra-athletic Sam Brooks. He has been one of those guys that Hurricanes fans had heard was flashing at practice but never could seem to get a ton of reps on the field.

At 6-2, 210 pounds, Brooks possesses the kind of athleticism that you want in linebackers in football today.

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While the bowl game against Louisiana Tech was almost entirely forgettable, Brooks was one of the bright spots, having 12 tackles and flashing that athletic. Linebacker is a position that Miami needs guys to break out in and Brooks could be an all ACC performer. Yeah, I think he could be that good.

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