Throwback style Florida LB clearing path as one of the nation’s best

Exclusive interview with Shaquille Quarterman

 

Each year recruiting classes are stocked full of soon to-be difference makers on the collegiate field. How each player takes a hold of the college football game becoming an All-Conference or All-American selection varies from God given physical tools, football IQ, or the product of a system.

For Class of 2016 linebacker Shaquille Quarterman the collegiate system will not matter because he possesses the rare combination of physical gifts coupled with a high football IQ that will assuredly carry him to great success at the next level making him a unique player already.

The 2015 recruiting class is just days away from signing their Letters of Intent and the recruiting process for Quarterman has just begun, and might already be over at the same time.

The 6’1”, 230 pound, tackling machine rose to national recruiting attention for Oakleaf High School as freshman coming up with 80 tackles. His sophomore season was an improvement with 94 tackles from the middle linebacker position with two picks, two fumble recoveries, and three tackles for a loss.

Quarterman’s junior season for the Knights did not disappoint and far exceeded expectations. He racked up 137 tackles, 73 solo and 64 assisted, along with eight tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. College coaches took notice with 20 different schools already extending scholarship offers.

The Orange Park, Florida native by all accounts is college ready. He has the size and frame, but is more than a guy making plays five yards down field or bumbling towards the ball carrier with blind reckless abandon. He’s an aggressive downhill playmaker already squatting over 500 pounds with a bench of 325 pounds… and he just finished his junior season. He’s also a student of the game making him a difficult one-two punch for opposing offenses to try to fool, run past, or run around game after game.

In an exclusive interview Shaquille sat down for a one-on-one interview to discuss a successful 2014 season on the field, recruiting, and how he’s gearing up for his senior season.

 

Shaquille, Oakleaf had an amazing season going 12-1 losing in the third round of the playoffs to Niceville. How did the undefeated regular season come about along with the deep run into the playoffs?

“It all started in the summer before the season even began. Coach Chip (Derek Chipoletti) challenged all of us to buy into the system and what the coaches were trying to teach us. Not everyone was into it and it seemed like very few wanted to put in the hard work but the coaches got us into the right mindset and we started practicing harder. We worked very hard. The team grew together and started bonding with each other and with the coaching staff.

“All of that hard work off the field and on the practice field showed throughout the season. Every week we knew what was going to happen in the game. We put in the work ahead of time so we were not surprised during the games.”

How does Oakleaf look going into the 2015 season?

“We’re looking very strong defensively. On offense we lost three of our five starting offensive linemen but we have guys that will pick up the slack. We should be just as strong on D next year. I think we only gave up three or five touchdowns in second half in 2014. I want us to improve upon that next season. We should have a strong if not stronger team and we’re looking to go past third round in 2015.”

What was the strength of Oakleaf’s defense this past season?

“Hard to say because there’s really no one group that stood out above the rest. We all work as one. We’re going to have one of the best defenses in the country next season.”

What are your strengths on the field at linebacker?

“I make sure everyone is set. Going into the game I know what type of scheme the opposition’s offense is running. I’m good at making sure everyone knows what’s coming before the snap of the ball. I can see the play happen before they happen, all from watching film. Before the ball even snaps I’m two steps ahead, I get down hill really fast.

“I got off blocks really well too. It’s not about how big and fast you are its all about technique. If you let a tackle get inside on you, you’re out of the play. I don’t let linemen get their hands on me.”

What are your goals for the 2015 football season?

“My team goal – I just want to be a better leader, so the team can go farther in the playoffs. I want to build a bond with my teammates. I want our team to be known for a hard defense and a precision offense. For me it’s more about the little things, we do the big things well we just need to get the little things down week after week in practice. I want to help my team to be able to step it up when the time comes.”

What about personal goals?

“I watch a lot of film, and I want to watch more. I want to be prepared. I keep working on my hand placement. During games when I get tired my hand placement can drop. When I’m tired I want my technique to still be there. I want to bring the same energy for each play throughout the season.”

What are your thoughts on your individual performance in 2014?

“I can see the progression from each year when I look back at game film. I’ve gotten better each year. My freshman year I was running around bumping into lineman just trying to make a play. My sophomore year I started using my hands more and started to become a better linebacker. My junior year was more technique. Brains and brawn, I already have the brawn I want to keep developing the brains. I want to get the job done with much movement, being in the right place at the right time off my film work.

“In all I expected to have a better junior year than my sophomore year and 2014 really was my best year so far.”

You have some 20 college scholarship offers from Auburn, Clemson, Boston College, Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Michigan, Michigan State, Ole Miss, N.C. State, Ohio State, Penn State, Tennessee, UCF, Vanderbilt, West Virginia, and South Carolina but you committed to Miami on June 25. What made you commit to the Hurricanes?

“Being a Cane is in my blood. Anything Miami my family loves it – football, baseball, basketball whatever. I wanted to be part of a tradition. Seeing former teammate Darrion Owens (Class of 2014 Miami DB commitment) grow as a player and as a man at Miami, I wanted to do that. I want to become a better player. I love the fact that the Miami coaches are not afraid to play true freshman. I really like that about Miami.”

What schools are still recruiting you hard right now?

“Michigan, Florida, and Auburn are still recruiting me pretty hard.”

Any negative anti-Miami pitches being thrown at you by other college coaches?

“All the coaches respect Miami, no negative pitches at all. All of the coaches keep telling me how I can get the same thing Miami is offering with their team – the type of things they are doing there on the field and what they can offer me in terms of an education.”

Would you say you are a hard commitment to Miami?

“Yes, I am.”

When the college coaches talk to you about your skill set, what are they telling you they like about your game?

“They all like my block construction and how well I play. They say I’m one of the last true downhill middle linebackers. I take that as a compliment. They like that not only can I stop the run up the middle but they like that I have great sideline to sideline pursuit. Most of the big guys are good at just filling a gap. I can fill a gap, take on whomever, and go sideline to sideline.”

Are you going to any college camps this summer?

“None set in stone. I plan on going to Florida, UM (Miami), and thinking about going to Auburn to see that coaching staff.”

Did you earn any end of the season honors for your junior year?

“I was First-Team All-State, Second-Team All-American, and an All-Clay County selection.”

Are there any college or NFL players you enjoy watching the game and learn from by studying them?

“I watch a couple of positions, not just linebackers. Denzel Perryman (Miami, First-Team All-ACC 2013-2014) has a great pad level, that’s something I am working on. He makes amazing plays and amazing tackles. I love the way he bends at his hips.

“Safety Shaun Taylor (Miami, NFL First Round pick 2004) is another one. I like to see how he was a force to be reckoned with on the field. Luke Kuechly (Carolina Panthers – Boston College) is another great linebacker I like to watch.”

What are you doing in the offseason to better prepare yourself for your senior season?

“I’m doing a lot of speed drills and sideline to sideline work. At the camps there are a lot of one-on-one drills. The whole thing is to win the one-on-ones. I’ve been working with our running backs covering them on the routes they run. I want my foot work to be very good so I’m working really hard on that. I’m going with running backs working on going underneath and over the top.

“The coaches like to see linebackers who can move and change direction. I want to show I can cover running backs no matter what pass route they might run.”

Who has made the biggest impact on your football career?

“My uncle, Dexter Gordon, has had the biggest impact. There was a time in middle school, believe it or not, I did not know if I wanted to play football. He asked me, “Do you want to be a great football player? If you say yes I will push you harder than anyone else.” I said yes, and he’s pushed me and helped me.

“We workout together, do drills at the house, and he helps me prepare for my games. He’s supported me, helped me, and he’s always been there for me. He pushes me if I’m tired and reminds me people out there want to take my spot. He keeps telling me “don’t give it to them keep working hard, make them take it from you.” He lets me know if I keep working hard I’ll be a great football player.”

What is your favorite part of playing football?

“I like the fact that you cannot win without playing together as a team. You have to have everyone in. I can’t win by myself, no one can. If you play together as a team you can dominate as a team. When everyone is buying into one goal – that is what I really love about the game of football. It brings the team together. That’s why I love the game. It’s a true team sport, a brotherly sport.”

 

What Shaquille does not know already, or at least not letting on that he knows, is he already has the brains to go with the brawn he spoke of. His junior highlight reel shows it all, a linebacker that likes to hit, does not give up on plays, uses his hands to shed blockers, and likes to mix it up inside and outside. He’s seemingly always in the play, and after 137 tackles this stat sheet does not lie.

The list of great Miami linebackers is storied and rich in tradition. Guys like Michael Barrow, Jessie Armstead, Ray Lewis, Dan Morgan, Jonathan Vilma, D.J. Williams, Rocky McIntosh, and Jon Beason, just to name a few in the last 20 years or so, have all paved the way for future generations to carry a distinguished torch.

National Signing Day in 2016 is still a year away and time could change Quarterman’s commitment, even circumstances beyond his control. But one thing, as of right now, that is a given is Quarterman is in the mold of the Canes’ all-time greats making him a throwback to any era of college football with the potential for greatness.

 

Photo credit: stateoftheu.com; Shaquille Quarterman