Maryland tackle hurts same knee as last year
The Maryland Terrapins had to make do without starting left tackle Justin Gilbert most of last season. They likely will have to do it again in 2011.
During a noncontact drill last week in practice, Gilbert blew out the same ACL that had been repaired seven months ago, according to coach Randy Edsall. Gilbert, a junior next fall, underwent surgery on Thursday and is expected to be out until October.
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That leaves sophomore Max Garcia (6-foot-4, 290) with the left tackle job. Departed coach Ralph Friedgen hoped to redshirt Garcia last fall, but he was pressed into service because of injuries.
“Max is the No. 1 guy at left tackle,” Edsall said. “I like the ability Max brings to that position. We gotta get him better technically. He’s gotta keep working. He’s got the feet. He’s got the mental toughness that I’m looking for.”
The Maryland offensive line was decimated by injuries in 2009, and it contributed to the Terps’ worst season (2-10) in school history. Last year, Maryland’s bad luck continued with injuries to Gilbert and his replacement in the starting lineup, Pete DeSouza, who suffered multiple fractures in a moped accident. But the Terps patched together a solid unit, which contributed to their 9-4 turnaround.
Even though they will be without one of their best blockers, the injury doesn’t cripple the Terps. Several young players stepped into larger roles on the offensive line last year. Returning starters include junior tackle D.J. Dill (6-7, 300), junior guard Justin Lewis (6-3, 315), senior guard Andrew Gonnella (6-5, 295) and junior center/guard Bennett Fulper (6-4, 295). Sophomore guard Pete White (6-4, 330) also started a game before suffering an injury.
Brown pushing O’Brien
Edsall said No. 2 quarterback C.J. Brown is “putting pressure” on incumbent and ACC rookie of the year Danny O’Brien. “It’s a combination of things. It’s a newness thing for Danny,” Edsall said. “Danny will be fine. But you’ve got C.J. who can do things. I love that competition.”
Brown, a sophomore, played just one series last year and suffered a broken collarbone, missing the rest of the season.
Edsall stressed the importance he places on competition. When he was coach at Connecticut, incumbent Donald Brown lost his starting tailback job to Andre Dixon, then gained it back over Dixon the following season.
