Manny Diaz returned to his hometown in 2016 as the defensive coordinator under Mark Richt. Diaz became head coach in December. In three seasons the Hurricanes defense has vastly improved under Diaz. A big reason for that is Shaq Quarterman. Quarterman has started all three seasons he has been on the Miami football team.
Quarterman and junior defensive end Jonathan Garvin have both been rewarded for their careers to date by being named to the Watch List for the 2019 Bednarik Award by the Maxwell Club of Philadelphia. This is the 25th edition of the Maxwell Award given annually to the best defensive player in college football.