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This offseason, Canes fans were expecting one final year with the big three linebacker unit of Shaquille Quarterman, Michael Pinckney and Zach McCloud. With the news of McCloud returning on a redshirt, it definitely shows promise with our unit in 2020. Having McCloud be the next man up, he will finally show what he is capable of doing. The unit will feature a young set of players, but will be adding talent in this years recruiting class.
2020 Incoming Linebackers
With the current committed group being Corey Flagg, Tirek Austin-Cave, Romello Height and AJ Mathis, it is rounding up to be a pretty talented class. However, if the Hurricanes are lucky enough to make a late push on South Florida’s very own Ruben Hyppolite, then this group will be special.
He is a player who is an absolute baller, and will always fall forward on every tackle. He exhibits very quick speed off the edge, and is always ready to lower his shoulder. The 4-star OLB has a composite score of a .9089 on 247, and is ranked at 18th for his position nationally. Here is how he tested at The Opening:
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In his junior year, he showed his abilities of wrapping up and making tackles, his speed off the line, tracking down the ball carrier, and being able to hold down the edge. He is more than capable of tracking down anyone on the field.
With his commitment being locked in with Maryland, it will be interesting for Manny Diaz to convince the McArthur talent, that home is where he belongs. He is one of the best talents in the state, and should be a must add for the Hurricanes!
— Ruben Hyppolite II (@Ruben24Knows) September 28, 2019
With him now attending the last three home games for the Hurricanes, there is hope that part of him still wants to be a Cane. He has potential to thrive in a very aggressive Miami defense that features multiple blitz packages and usage of athletes. If his future does involve UM, an offseason with strength coach David Feeley could have him cracking rotations as early as his freshman year. Hyppolite’s recruitment can come down to signing day, and it would be an exciting time if he is wearing green and orange!
Go Canes!