By most indicators, the University of Miami football team had a pretty good defense last year. But head coach Mark Richt and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz thought they could do better in 2017, specifically as it pertains to fumbles recovered and interceptions. The Hurricanes ranked fifth and thirteenth in those two categories, respectively. So Diaz introduced a novel idea to Richt, and he's decided to go with it.
In the 4th Quarter of Miami's game against Bethune-Cookman, cornerback Malek Young intercepted a pass from B.C.'s quarterback Larry Brihm, Jr. When he got to the sidelines, Young received a few taps on the helmet, pats on the back, high-fives, and the new 'turnover chain.' The weighty necklace was intriguing enough that it has gone viral and become a national headline. Mostly, what reporters wanted to know, was whether or not the piece is real.
“It’s real gold. There's no facade to it,’’ said Miami linebacker Shaq Quarterman, while discussing the new turnover incentive after the game. He then added a quip that would make Trick Daddy proud. “It’s Miami style. We don’t do fake gold,” Quarterman said.
