5 Maryland players to watch against Richmond

Oct 23, 2014; Greenville, NC, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Jefferson Ashiru (32) tackles the East Carolina Pirates running back Breon Allen (25) during the 4th quarter at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. The East Carolina Pirates defeated the Connecticut Huskies 31-21. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Jefferson Ashiru

It may not have been the most-talked about move of the offseason, but linebacker Jefferson Ashiru could be a big contributor for the Terps. Ashiru comes to Maryland from Connecticut and was even recruited by coach Randy Edsall when he was the Huskies coach. Ashiru, who left the program due to issues with the coaching staff, was a very productive player during his three years with the Huskies. The Georgia native totaled 112 tackles (49 solo), 11.0 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception during that time frame and was an integral part of the Connecticut defense.

Maryland’s front seven will have a very different look as the team is moving to a more traditional 4-3 defense. With Abner Logan already lost for the season, Ashiru becomes one of the leaders of the defense. The former Huskie is a very discliplined football player that plays the run very well. He’s not a defender that gets after the quarterback a ton, but does possess the necessary speed to rush the passer if the situation arises. Ashiru definitely will be a player to watch against Richmond due to the fact that the Spiders have a very consistent running back in Seth Fisher.