For a school that has produced linebacker stars like Ray Lewis, Dan Morgan, Jonathan Vilma and Michael Barrow, Miami hasn’t had a true star at the position in quite a while.

Since 2010, Denzel Perryman (11th), Shaq Quarterman (12th), and Michael Pinkney (14th) all had solid careers ranking inside the UM top 20 career tackle list for a career but are they considered stars? Maybe? Possibly?

Xavier Atkins could potentially be that guy for the Hurricanes in 2027. Atkins was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2025 and was on his way to another all-conference season this year before being dismissed by Auburn. He was dismissed this week but had already been suspended before Auburn’s 27-24 win over then-No. 1 Georgia.

Atkins announced Tuesday morning that he will finish the academic semester at Auburn before entering the transfer portal on Jan. 4, when the 10-day portal window opens.

Based on his production over the past few seasons, Atkins would obviously be a fit on the field. However, Miami’s staff and university would need to look into the circumstances surrounding his dismissal and determine whether he would be a good fit for the program and campus.

If everything checks out regarding his dismissal, I think this is an opportunity Miami should seriously consider. Atkins could give the Hurricanes some much-needed star power at linebacker.

Atkins would have two years of eligibility remaining under the five-for-five rule.

 

Sean Spence.

I still have his defensive playbook from the Florida State Game in Tallahassee.

 

Star? Probably Beason. Last good LB we've had is Perryman, which is crazy to think about. It's been over 10 years since he last played at Miami.

To say the last “good” lb we had is Perryman is bs

 

Perryman, Shaq and Spence.

Could’ve beens: Eddie Johnson and Alex Figueroa

 

Vilma.

 

I’m thinking Dan Morgan over Perryman. Stronger leadership qualities, equal skill, and more durability. What are the best field generals we ever had.

 

Jon Beason

 

Sean Spence!

 

Five years in, it’s safe to say that linebacker evaluations recruiting and development have been a failure

I wouldn't say a failure because it's still a ongoing process. Some of the young guys are showing promise if we can have potential all American and all conference players at every position im all for it but that doesn't seem likely.

 

To say the last “good” lb we had is Perryman is bs

That was to the best of my knowledge at the moment. I could be wrong, but I still can't think of a good LB since Perryman. I'd be open to changing my mind if you can cite someone. But maybe we have different opinions on what is "good." I consider Quarterman and Pinckney to be adequate, if that gives you any idea.

 

Jon Beason was our last first round pick at LB. That was back in 2007.

Time to upgrade our LB talent.

 

DJ Williams

 

Shaq & Pinkney were awesome.

 

Yes, today's LBs. You've named one. I've named none. I asked partially because I don't know. I watch a fair amount of games, but I do not watch with more than a fleeting interest unless it's the Canes. It might not be much, but I do have a life. I also asked because I think that particualr skill set - being good/great at both - is really rare. Not like unicorn rare, but still rare nonetheless, and I don't think it's easy to find them. Not that you asked what I thought...

Chris Cole at UGA has been one of the best LBs this year. Guy we recruited hard

 

Yes, today's LBs. You've named one. I've named none. I asked partially because I don't know. I watch a fair amount of games, but I do not watch with more than a fleeting interest unless it's the Canes. It might not be much, but I do have a life. I also asked because I think that particualr skill set - being good/great at both - is really rare. Not like unicorn rare, but still rare nonetheless, and I don't think it's easy to find them. Not that you asked what I thought...

Chris Cole at UGA has been one of the best LBs this year. Guy we recruited hard

Yeah I remember recruiting him. Dude is a total stud.