Coach Manny Diaz has a system that is steeped in having two inside linebackers. The Mike (middle linebacker, Shaquille Quarterman) is the leader. He calls the defense, he’s a run stopper that can blitz, and he can drop into coverage if needed, but he’s the weakest in coverage. The Will (weak side linebacker, Michael Pinckney) is still inside in Manny’s predominantly 4-2-5 defense, but is expected to be a scrape linebacker that helps clean up for the Mike, and has to be a better pass cover LB as well since he will get swings from the RB’s and screens as well.
The SAM Linebacker position in Manny Diaz’s Hurricanes Defense
