LB Shawn Petty Transfers To Marshall

Nov 24, 2012; Chapel Hill, NC, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Shawn Petty (31) passes the ball as North Carolina Tar Heels linebacker Kevin Reddick (48) defends in the first quarter at Kenan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Former Terrapin linebacker Shawn Petty has officially transferred to a school that the Terps became familiar with last year.

Petty transferred to Marshall on Wednesday, the team that topped Maryland in last year’s Military Bowl. Petty made his transfer from Maryland official almost six months to the day. Now, he’ll line up at linebacker-not quarterback-for the Thundering Herd.

Although Shawn Petty was a two-star linebacker out of high school, Maryland fans will forever remember him as the guy that took over the offense during his freshman year. When all four of Maryland’s quarterbacks went down with season-ending injuries, Petty was moved from linebacker to quarterback for the remaining five games of the season. Petty’s valiant effort earned him a hard-working team player, someone that every coach would love to have in their program.

Although losing any player is always a loss, Petty’s transfer likely came from decreased chance to make an impact on defense. With all of Maryland’s linebackers returning as well as the rise of Yannick Ngakoue and Jesse Aniebonam, Petty likely would not have a chance to grow as much within the program. Maryland will be able to replace his talent, but his leadership will certainly be missed.

Petty will have to sit out this upcoming season due to transfer rules, but will see action as a junior for the Thundering Herd, who will look to ride the Rakeem Cato train for a big year.

Shawn Petty’s contributions to the Maryland program will always be remembered. We wish him well throughout his career and thank him for helping build Maryland’s program.