September 2, 2009, at 5:27 pm
For the next few weeks our very own Jordan Lauterbach will be previewing the upcoming 2009 College Football season. Each day, he will be posting a new preview so be sure to check in everyday.
In today’s special edition, Third String Radio’s Brandon Steinberger preview’s the upcoming season for his beloved Maryland Terrapins.
Last Season: 7-5, won the Humanitarian Bowl vs. Nevada 42-35
Last season the Terps experienced one of the most up and down seasons they’ve had since the Shaun Hill era in 2000. Wins over #23 California, #20 Clemson, #21, Wake Forest, and #17 North Carolina look great but with upsetting losses by Middle Tennessee, and getting blown out by 31 points at home by the hands of Virginia doomed the Terps for a mediocre season.
Coach Friedgen is only returning 10 starters from the 2008 campaign (six on offense and four on defense). For the most part Maryland is returning key players at the skill positions. Don Brown will be in his first year with Maryland, taking over the Defensive Coordinator duties. The team has had a very productive spring camp and looks to rebound after losing the following players to the NFL; Kevin Barnes (Washington), Chase Bullock (Arizona), Scott Burley (Washington), Mosie Fokou (Philadelphia), Dan Gronkowski (Detroit), Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oakland), Dean Muhtadi (Green Bay), Jeremy Navarre (Jacksonville), Dane Randolph (Green Bay), Jamie Thomas (Indianpolis), Edwin Williams (Washington), Isaiah Williams (Baltimore). Now that the Spring Camp has come and gone, I’m giving you the lowdown of all the position battles.
Quarterback: Senior, Chris Turner will be the signal caller for the terrapins this year. Turner is a two-year starter with high expectations from the coaching staff as well as the student body. Turner played in all 13 games at quarterback with 12 starts. He posted 2,516 passing yards, which is the fifth highest single-season total in school history. He ranked third in the ACC and 66th nationally in passing yards (194.3 pg). While Jamarr Robinson had a great spring workout, he will be the primary backup. That doesn’t mean you wont be seeing # 11 behind center. Jamarr brings a lot to the table, with a strong arm and excellent speed, Coach Friedgen could use him in specific packages. C.J Brown and Danny O’ Brian are the freshman quarterbacks with high potentials coming out of High School.
Running Back: The running back position is easily the most talented. Junior, Da’Rel Scott leads the charge for Maryland and ranks 22nd in school history in career rushing yards (1,268). His five career 100-yard rushing games are tied for 10th in school history. Scott needs 734 rushing yards this season to become the 10th back in school history to reach 2,000 yards. Scott was named to the Doak Walker award watch list in preseason.
Also in the backfield are Morgan Green, Davin Meggett, Gary Dougles, and D.J Adams. The versatility of the running back corps will be strength for the Terrapins. Most likely Scott and Meggett will share the load of the carries. Morgan Green has battled through injuries the past two years and is looking to stay healthy and contribute to the running game.
Wide Receiver/Tide End: Coach Friedgen is carrying nine wide outs this year, all of which are fighting for playing time. Adrian Cannon, Torrey Smith, and Kevin Dorsey are the potential starters. With Emani Lee-Odai, Ronnie Tyler, Quintin McCree, and Kenny Bokins are all looking to make an impact this year. Normally, the offense runs through the tailbacks but don’t be surprised to see an air-based attack this year. While Turner has the confidence needed to carry his team, the team needs his arm to keep this team in the ACC title hunt. Expect Matt Furstenburg to get a lot of red zone targets because he has great hands and stands at 6’4.
Offensive Line: Senior Phil Costa, who has started 18 career games, will anchor the offensive line. Costa will be playing center this year after moving from guard last season. Junior Bruce Campbell, one of the most physically gifted linemen in the country, will handle the full-time duties at left tackle. Sophomore, Lamar young will be starting at left guard and Andrew Gonnella will lining up at the right guard position. Paul Pinegar or R.J Dill will be rounding out the line at right tackle.
Defensive Line: This year will be a strong test to Don Brown as his first year on the job. Coach Brown will bring his attacking-style defense to Maryland. The defensive line took a hit this year by losing key members to the NFL. Jared Harrell and Derek Drummond will be the bookends for the Terps this season but the strength comes from within. A.J Francis, Travis Ivey, and Deege Galt will hold down the interior.
Linebackers: This should be one of the strong suits for the Terps this year. Alex Wujciak will command the Middle Linebacker position this year. Wujciak was named to the Nagurski Trophy watch list, which honors the top defensive player in the nation. Wujciak was also names to the Bednarik award, also awarded to top defensive player in the country. Joining Alex, Adrian Moten will play the Sam linebacker and Demetrius Hartsfield will play the Will linebacker. I really like the teams linebackers this year, barring injuries I feel that they will create most of the defensive impact plays.
Conerbacks/Safeties: I believe this is the most talented group of defensive backs in the nation. Seniors, Anthony Wiseman and Nolan Carroll will be the two starting cornerbacks. Wiseman and Carroll had great spring workouts. With Terrell Skinner and Jamari McCollough locking up the safety positions, the four seniors are looking to make impact play after impact play. Look for converted wide receiver Kenny Tate to play some nickel back and add another wrinkle to the blitzing defense in 2009
Special teams: Junior, Travis Baltz was named to the watch list for the 2009 Ray Guy award, which honors the top punter in the nation. Baltz is also on the 2nd team All-America team preseason. Sophomore Nick Wallace will handle the place kicking for the Maryland Terrapins in 2009. Another sophomore sensation, Torry Smith will be in charge for returning kicks.
2009 Schedule
9/05/09 @ California
9/12/09 vs. James Madison
9/19/09 vs. Middle Tennessee State
9/26/09 vs. Rutgers
10/03/09 vs. Clemson
10/10/09 @ Wake Forest
10/17/09 vs. Virginia (Homecoming)
10/24/09 @ Duke
11/07/09 @ NC State
11/14/09 vs. Virginia Tech
11/21/09 @ Florida State
11/28/09 vs. Boston College
Season Predictions: Maryland has a great chance to start the season off on the right foot. A huge game at the University of California and then 3 easier games before they start ACC play. The Terps can go 3-1 or 4-0 in their non-division games. Maryland finishes their 2009 campaign with three tough games, home to Virginia Tech and Boston College and away at Florida State. If Maryland plays up to expectations look for them to have one of the most explosive offenses in the ACC. The defense is going to be fun to watch, with a new coordinator and a new blitzing scheme I expect big things. The outlook looks bright for this club, I have the Terps finishing the season at 8-4 and bowl bound.
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