Just a few months after O’Brien was named ACC rookie of the year, Edsall’s assessment of the work of his quarterback in the spring was surprisingly tepid. When Edsall got a chance to replace O’Brien early last season, he did it with an untested sophomore, C.J. Brown.

On Monday, Maryland announced it had granted O’Brien’s request to be released from his scholarship, ending an uneasy relationship between the holdover quarterback and the new coach.

“I’m disappointed in Danny,” Maryland coach Randy Edsall said in a statement. “Danny told me he’s not committed to our program, that he’s not ‘all in.’ I want what’s best for our players. Danny wants a fresh start elsewhere. I wish him well.”

In addition to losing O’Brien, Maryland also announced the departure of offensive tackle Max Garcia and linebacker Mario Rowson. Since Maryland finished its 2-10 season, the Terrapins have lost 12 players — in addition to 12 others who left the program after Edsall was hired 13 months ago.

“Our primary mission is making our players the best students, the best athletes and the best individuals they can be,” Edsall said in the statement. “Spring practice opens March 10. All of the coaches and players are counting the days until we get back on the field. We have a lot to prove in 2012.”

The loss of Garcia, a sophomore whom Edsall said was “homesick,” is a blow as well, especially coupled with the departure R.J. Dill, another tackle who received his release in December. Both started all 12 games last fall.

The exodus leaves Edsall with an extremely young roster, which will be heavily populated by freshmen and sophomores.

The quarterback position is the team in microcosm. Brown, with five career starts to his credit, will be the starter. Reserves include James Joseph and Troy Jones, freshmen who didn’t play this season, and two quarterbacks who were signed earlier this month, Perry Hills (Pittsburgh) and Caleb Rowe (Greer, S.C.).

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