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Miami Player Profile: Jermaine Grace

In an effort to keep even the most hardcore Miami fan up to date on their favorite players, SOTU will be running a Player Profile series. In these posts, our writers will profile two players from each position that they think should get more face time. They will recap their previous year, or in some cases, preview what may be to come. That way, when the season get's here, you hopefully will have a new found love for the team on the field.

By Jerry Steinberg
Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

Jermaine Grace

Sophomore - LB - 6'1 210 - Miami Gardens, Fl (Miramar H.S.)

Played in 11 games as a true freshman last season, mostly on special teams, and collected 8 tackles.

Rated as a 4 star prospect before enrolling at UM.

Is a great athlete with plenty of speed, clocked at 4.5 in the 40.

Currently listed as a co-starter along with Raphael Kirby at one OLB spot.   Last season was mostly a learning experience for Grace, but this season he is being counted on to produce.

Here's a closer look at what he can do:

Summary: I was surprised last season that Grace did not get more PT. He is an explosive talent, who plays with great natural instincts, and really packs a punch when he gets to the ball. But Miami's defense is complex, and not the easiest for a true freshman to master. Also Grace is a LB who is S sized. Nonetheless there has to be a role for a kid this talented. I would love to see Grace be utilized in blitz packages and some in coverage because of his speed.  I'm not sure how well a 210 pound LB can hold up against the run, but I still think Grace ends up a key performer by season's end.  Look for 30-40 tackles, a sack or two, and a few forced fumbles in his sophomore campaign.