Returning starter junior tailback Brandon Ross is an extremely powerful runner and a perfect match in this pro offense for the Terrapins. Leading the way for him will be sophomore fullback Kenneth Goins Jr. who is extremely athletic and versatile. The offensive line will be lead by senior center Sal Conaboy who has 22 career starts and is very comfortable with Brown. Junior left tackle Ryan Doyle is very athletic and played on the right and left side last year. Right tackle will be occupied by sophomore Michael Dunn who shifted over from guard. At left guard, coach Randy Edsall will plug Silvano Altamirano and right guard will be 300 pound Andrew Zeller, who is known for his powerful interior run blocking. Kicking for the terrapins will be reliable and consistent junior Brad Craddock.
DEFENSE: In Randy Edsall's 3-4 defensive scheme, he will have returning starter Quinton Jefferson and star senior Andre Monroe at defensive ends. Monroe will make big strides in the Big Ten this year. In the middle he will have gigantic run plugger and returning starter Darius Kilgo, which will help in the run heavy Big Ten. Three out of the four linebackers return this year, with the loss of Marcus Whitfield. The returning linebackers are seniors Cole Farrand, Matt Robinson, and L.A. Goree. Farrand was an honorable mention last year in the ACC and will make a big impact in the run heavy Big Ten. Robinson was a former safety and excelled at quickly disrupting plays in the backfield. Goree was a tackle machine last year but may take on more of a pass rushing role this year. The new starter this year will be fellow senior Yannik Cudjoe-Virgil. He missed seven games last year due to injury and is ready to make an impact in his last year in College Park, Maryland.
The secondary lost a big name last year in second round pick Dexter McDougle. He will be replaced with senior Jeremiah Johnson who doesn't have a lot of experience but has good playmaking ability. Rwturning starter and sophomore Will Likely was a speedster and showed a lot of promise as a freshman. At safety, coordinator Brian Stewart will start a pair of juniors who both started last year in Sean Davis and Anthony Nixon. Davis is strong in run support and led the team in tackles last year. Nixon struggled as the teams center fielder and will be depended on to improve and create turnovers this year. Returning at punter will be junior Nathan Renfro who will have to work to keep is job after an underwhelming sophomore season.
RECRUITING: Maryland's class is headlined by 5-star offensive tackle Damien Prince, who was the number one recruit out of the state if Maryland. He is exactly what you look for in an offensive lineman and has improved in both run blocking and pass protection. He is a future All Big Ten performer. Maryland also hauled in four star offensive lineman Derwin Gray and what stands out about Gray is his strength is better than most offensive lineman. Fellow four star linebacker Jesse Aniebonam and wide receiver Juwann Winfree will be solid contributors for Maryland in the future.
2015 Needs by Steve Wiltfong: Offensive line was the strength of the 2014 class for Randy Edsall and his staff and it will need to be again in 2015, as the Terrapins likely won't get much from their upperclassmen. Quarterback is also a big need this cycle despite signing four star dual/athlete Will Ulmer in 2014. The whole defensive front is an area of need for Maryland, and they'll also look to continue building depth in the secondary.
OVERVIEW: Maryland's offense will once again be dominant although their is a lot of question marks along the offensive line. Maryland's defense has a lot of seniors and will be properly led, but questions in the secondary and a step up in competition this year might keep this team from competing in the Big Ten. I think Maryland will reach a bowl game, but they will struggle to get there.
QB C.J. Brown
DE Andre Monroe
LB Cole Farrand
CB Will Likely
WR Stefon Diggs
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