Two Hurricanes Named Preseason All-Americans
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – A pair of Miami Hurricanes were selected to the Athlon Sports Preseason All-America teams, the publication announced Tuesday.
Senior defensive back Jaquan Johnson was named to the preseason All-America First Team, while junior linebacker Shaq Quarterman was a third-team selection.
One of the best safeties in America a season ago, Johnson decided to return for his senior season after being named a Second-Team All-America by Sports Illustrated and the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) in 2017. Johnson led the Hurricanes with 96 total tackles a season ago, and also tied for the team lead with four interceptions. A Walter Camp Player of the Year semifinalist and a three-time ACC Defensive Back of the week honoree, Johnson has totaled 160 tackles, four forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries and six interceptions in 39 career games -he hasn’t missed a game since arriving in January 2015.
An Orange Park, Fla., native, Quarterman has started all 26 games at linebacker since arriving to Coral Gables in 2016, including his true freshman season, when he was named a Freshman All American and to the All-ACC Third Team. In 2017, Quarterman was voted to the All-ACC Second Team after finishing with 83 total tackles, 7.0 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. In two seasons at The U, Quarterman has compiled 167 total tackles, 17.0 tackles for loss and 6.0 sacks.
Johnson and Quarterman join senior center Tyler Gauthier as recipients of major preseason honors; Gauthier was named to the watch list for the Rimington Trophy, honoring the nation’s top collegiate center, in late May.
