Thanks to umterps.com, we have a first look at Maryland’s spring football depth chart, and there are quite a few surprises. Yesterday we looked at the linebackers. Today, let’s look at the defensive backs.
All images from umterps.com.
Cornerback 1:
1. Cameron Chism, Senior – 5’10”, 190
2. Jeremiah Johnson, Freshman (RS) – 5’11”, 170
3. Kwabena Ofori, Junior – 5’10”, 197
4. Avery Graham, Sophomore (RS) – 5’10”, 195
A two-year starter, Chism had a breakout sophomore year before a disappointing junior campaign (comparatively) last year. He has four interceptions in his Terp career (all during that sophomore season), and will be expected to be the leader in the secondary after the losses of Antwine Perez (to graduation) and Kenny Tate (to the linebacking unit). Johnson is another member of the 2010 class with a lot of potential, but he’s not expected to play yet – he’s a year younger than the rest of the players in his class. Ofori is a squad team player from local Kennedy High School (Montgomery County represent). Graham (also from MoCo) is injured for spring practice, but he will almost certainly be the No. 2 at this position. He was very impressive on special teams last year, and should take over for Chism after the senior graduates.
Cornerback 2:
1. Trenton Hughes, Senior (RS) – 5’11”, 190
2. Dexter McDougle, Sophomore (RS) – 5’10”, 200
3. Daniel Thomas, Junior – 5’9″, 186
Hughes was an underrated solid corner for the Terps last year, breaking up nine passes and recording 39 tackles. The Terps’ two starting corners are seniors, which is huge – it’s been a position of concern for Maryland in recent years and to have that much experience is something that should help their pass defense significantly. McDougle is a great talent that went to the same high school as Torrey Smith, and he played well on special teams last year and as a nickel-back. After this season, the starting corner duo of Graham and McDougle will be a small one, but an extremely skilled one. Thomas is a transfer from Salisbury.
Safety 1:
1. Eric Franklin, Junior – 6’2″, 205
2. Titus Till, Freshman (RS) – 6’2″, 195
3. Anthony Green, Senior (RS) – 5’11”, 190
Instead of free safety and strong safety, like we had last year, we’re just left with two safety positions. Franklin was a breakout star last year, making a few spectacular plays and ending the year with three interceptions (all in the last four games of the season). He’s very good in coverage, and will most likely be playing the position Kenny Tate was at last year. Till was a four-star recruit coming out of high school, and could compete for Franklin’s starting job (although I doubt it). Green is a sleeper who played well in the spring game last year (albeit mostly at quarterback) and is a former transfer from Bridgewater College.
Safety 2:
1. Matt Robinson, Sophomore – 6’3″, 220
2. Austin Walker, Senior (RS) – 6’0″, 195
3. Desmond Haynes, Senior – 5’9″, 200
4. Clarence Claiborne, Junior – 6’0″, 208
Robinson is the definition of a diamond in the rough for the Terps. Not recruited heavily out of Atholton, he was a two-star recruit at tight end who transformed into one of the best freshman safeties in the country. Robinson finished with 29 tackles, forcing two fumbles, and showing the physical presence he will be on this defense for years to come. Behind him, there’s not much depth. Walker has had very limited playing time over the years, and he had 16 tackles with two sacks last season (including one sack in the Military Bowl). Haynes has been a squad player for the Terps, and Claiborne is a transfer from Bowie State.
We’ll conclude this series tomorrow with a look at the special teams.