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Maryland Football: Mike Minter looks to continue feel-good story

By Chris Bengel

Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; General view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet on the field prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Maryland defeated Penn State 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2014; University Park, PA, USA; General view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet on the field prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Maryland defeated Penn State 20-19. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s been quite the journey for Mike Minter to get to this point.

From being a walk-on to dislocating his knee six times, Minter enters the 2016 season as a presumed starter on the offensive line.

Minter came to College Park without a scholarship, but did manage to earn a spot as a walk-on back in 2013. His senior season at Severna Park High School was plagued by six knee dislocations (one of which was a torn ligament) and he ended up having surgery in May 2013.

As a redshirt freshman, Minter was finally healthy and did play in the 2014 season opener against James Madison. However, that was the only time he would see the field during that season.

After two very disappointing seasons, Minter was finally ready to make an impact for the Terrapins. He’d basically sat for two whole seasons and gained a significant amount of experience.

Minter entered last summer having to battle several players for the starting job at left guard. After beating out the competition, then-coach Randy Edsall awarded Minter a full scholarship in front of the entire team.

In 2015, Minter earned the starting job and started the team’s first three games against the likes of Bowling Green, Richmond, and South Florida. Unfortunately for Minter, he suffered a labrum injury and was forced to have season-ending surgery.

While it isn’t a huge sample size, Minter clearly showed that he has the ability to be a consistent starter for the Terps. Minter is definitely very versatile and has a great deal of strengths.

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    • First of all, Minter has very active hands at the line of scrimmage. He stands his ground really well and is able to fend off strong defensive linemen.

    Minter also possesses the ability to get out and run block. The Severna Park product can get to the second level and isn’t afraid to help pave the way for any ball carrier.

    Minter is just a smart football player and obviously you have never have too many of those. After all, he hadn’t even played on the offensive line at Maryland prior to the 2014 season.

    The junior offensive guard did play on both sides of the football during his high school days as most do.

    While he doesn’t bring a four-star rating or gaudy hype to the table, Minter is a player that loves Maryland and wanted to come to College Park like his father and two brothers before him.

    Barring last season’s labrum injury, Minter could’ve played the bulk of the season and made quite the impact. However, even in limited time, it became clear that he is a player that has the potential to be a staple in the trenches.

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    If he’s able to stay healthy in 2016. Minter could be a very important piece on Maryland’s offensive line.

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