Two came back to win a national championship and earn their degrees. The other is just a junior but undoubtedly one of the best at his position in the nation.
Safety Jaquan Johnson, cornerback Michael Jackson and linebacker Shaq Quarterman were nominated for prestigious awards on Monday.
Johnson and Jackson, both seniors, are on the watch list for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to college football’s best defensive back. Quarterman, a junior landed on the watch list for the Butkus Award, given annually to the best college football linebacker.
Johnson, a semifinalist for the Walter Camp Award and a second-team All-American by Sports Illustrated in 2017, led UM last season with 96 tackles, four interceptions, eight pass breakups, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries.