Sophomore QB O’Brien to lead veteran group After eight days of practice and one scrimmage, the Maryland Terrapins “have a little more work to do defensively than we do offensively,” coach Randy Edsall said Tuesday at the team’s Media Day.
The progression of the offense comes as little surprise considering standout quarterback Danny O’Brien is taking snaps behind a veteran line and throwing to a stable of experienced receivers.
Recommended Stories
The defense has seven returning starters, but lineman Justin Anderson will miss the first month of the season after foot surgery.
Another concern is linebacker depth. Edsall began to address the situation after Monday’s scrimmage, shifting cornerback Avery Graham to the star linebacker slot, despite his less-than-prototype size (5-foot-10, 195 pounds).
“I feel that I know who we are offensively, who the people are at this time in terms of a two-deep,” Edsall said. “There’s still a lot of unanswered questions from a defensive standpoint.”
Here’s a position breakdown:
Quarterback » ACC rookie of the year Danny O’Brien is the unchallenged starter. But when asked about O’Brien, offensive coordinator Gary Crowton is often quick to praise sophomore C.J. Brown.
Running back »
Senior Davin Meggett, who split time with departed Da’Rel Scott, is expected to take on a heavier workload. Freshmen Justus Pickett, Brandon Ross and Jeremiah Wilson have impressed.
Receiver » There is little separating capable seniors Quintin McCree, Ronnie Tyler and Tony Logan, and juniors Kevin Dorsey and Kerry Boykins. “I have really been pleased with the receiver play,” said Edsall, who added that Marcus Leak “has really showed things as a true freshman.” Tight end is in good hands with returning starter Matt Furstenburg, backed up by Devonte Campbell.
Offensive line » Andrew Gonnella, R.J. Dill and Bennett Fulper are returning starters and sophomore Josh Cary has progressed rapidly in place of dismissed starter Justin Lewis. But there are depth concerns as Edsall can’t count on much from former starters Pete DeSouza and Justin Gilbert, who are on the mend, and Pete White, who is overweight.
Defensive line »
The loss of Anderson, who started every game last year, is a blow, even though Anderson had dropped on the depth chart after a lackluster spring. There’s still enough left over with Joe Vellano, A.J. Francis and David Mackall, but depth is a concern, though Edsall raves about the “motor” of freshman Keith Bowers.
Linebacker »
In good hands with vets Demetrius Hartsfield, Darin Drakeford and converted standout safety Kenny Tate. But the dropoff to the second team is severe in talent, size and experience, though Edsall likes the physicality of redshirt freshman Lorne Goree and true freshman Alex Twine (Quince Orchard).
Secondary » Corner is in good hands with senior starters Cam Chism and Trenton Hughes back. Replacing Tate will be difficult at safety, but likely first-year starters Eric Franklin and Matt Robinson have size and skill.
