Shoulder surgery sidelines Terps’ top tackler
The Maryland defense has been bum-rushed the last two weeks, giving up 75 points combined in losses to West Virginia and Temple. And it could get worse as coach Randy Edsall revealed that safety Matt Robinson will undergo shoulder surgery and is lost for the season.
In addition, ankle sprains to freshman tackle Andre Monroe and sophomore linebacker Darrin Drakeford, both starters, could sideline them for Saturday’s game with Towson (3-0).
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Help is on the way for the offense, however, as Edsall said that suspended wideouts Quintin McCree and Ronnie Tyler will start on Saturday.
After the way Temple shoved Maryland around in a 38-7 romp Saturday, rushing for 286 yards, the Terps can ill-afford to lose their top tackler. Robinson, a sophomore, ranks seventh in the nation, averaging 12 tackles per game.
“We’ll be able to get a medical redshirt,” Edsall said.
But Maryland needs help now. Senior Austin Walker, a strong special teams player, could take over at Robinson’s slot. Another option could be to return linebacker Kenny Tate to the position at which he excelled last year, but that would weaken an already thin area. The back-ups at all three linebacker slots are freshmen — Lorne Goree, Alex Twine, and Mario Rowson.
Senior Maurice Hampton, a converted offensive lineman, had his moments against Temple, making five tackles, including two for losses, and will start against Towson if Monroe isn’t available. Returning starter A.J. Francis, who lost his starting job after the West Virginia game and was listed as backup to Monroe, made one tackle on Saturday.
Meanwhile Edsall will seek more players with the mind-set of Robinson.
“I need to find more Matt Robinsons,” Edsall said. “The game is important to him.”
