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Maryland Football: Five storylines to follow in Red-White Spring Game

By Chris Bengel

Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver D.J. Moore (1) avoids a tackle by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Blessuan Austin (10) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Piscataway, NJ, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver D.J. Moore (1) avoids a tackle by Rutgers Scarlet Knights defensive back Blessuan Austin (10) during the first half at High Points Solutions Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) is pressured by Maryland Terrapins lineman Roman Braglio (90) at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; South Florida Bulls quarterback Quinton Flowers (9) is pressured by Maryland Terrapins lineman Roman Braglio (90) at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports /

New pass rushers

Maryland’s defensive line has had a good amount of turnover as well. Jefferson and Ngakoue are two huge pieces that will be missed, but there is talent to replace them. Senior Roman Braglio is back to start at one of the defensive end spots and Jesse Aniebonam will likely see time at the other. Braglio was very productive in 2015 as he registered 35 tackles and also recorded three sacks. He has terrific speed off the edge and his sack numbers could increase in an increased role. It’ll also be interesting to see where Aniebonam is in terms of his progression. As we wrote earlier this week, Durkin has Aniebonam in a hybrid position as the BUCK linebacker, so he’ll be rushing the passer a large amount of the time. Since Aniebonam lined up with his hand in the dirt last season, he could definitely see time at defensive end as well.

The Terps do have a stable of talented defensive tackles in incoming freshman Adam McLean, David Shaw, and Azubuike Ukandu. Shaw only played in the first four games last season due to a season-ending elbow injury. Ukandu, a former walk-on, stepped into Shaw’s role and registered 24 tackles, three sacks, and forced a fumble. McLean is very athletic and could receive significant playing time as a freshman. He’s one of the Terps that many fans will be watching closely after he was academically ineligible a season ago.

Next: A stable of talented backs

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