Maryland Football: Shane Cockerille looks to make an impact
By Chris Bengel
The Maryland career of Shane Cockerille has been filled with many twists and turns.
As the 2016 season approaches, Cockerille will line up at his third different position since arriving in College Park. The former Gilman (Md.) star will be a linebacker for the Terrapins this coming season.
Cockerille was brought to Maryland as a quarterback as a part of Randy Edsall‘s 2013 recruiting class. He was a member of a strong class that also included linebacker Jermaine Carter, cornerback Will Likely, and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
Cockerille was a three-star recruit that was highly accomplished by the time he arrived in College Park.
The local star was a top 20 dual-threat quarterback in the nation and also was an Elite 11 finalist. Cockerille was also tabbed as the No. 12 player in the state of Maryland and was ironically rated ahead of Maryland wide receiver Taivon Jacobs.
Cockerille played primarily on special teams as a redshirt freshman then was moved to his second position since coming to Maryland. In July 2015, Edsall announced that Cockerille would be a fullback and the primary backup to Kenneth Goins Jr.
He ended up catching just two passes during the 2015 season.
Live Feed
Betsided
Despite starting off the 2015 season as a fullback, Cockerille still managed to take some snaps from under center.
The former Gilman star played in relief of Caleb Rowe on November 21 against Indiana. Rowe suffered a concussion in the second quarter and Cockerille came in and completed 11-of-22 passes for 82 yards.
In Maryland’s 47-28 loss to the Hoosiers, Cockerille also rushed for 23 yards. His ability to both run and pass added a different dimension to interim coach Mike Locksley‘s offense.
Cockerille saw time due to the fact that Perry Hills was out against Indiana because of mononucleosis.
After already playing quarterback and contributing on special teams, Cockerille will play on the third phase of the gridiron on defense this fall.
It’s unclear what to really expect from Cockerille as a linebacker until the depth chart is released later this summer. However, he did get first-team reps earlier in the offseason and saw some action in nickel formations.
Cockerille is a very physical player from his time as a running quarterback, so the adjustment may not be an intense one. Aside from Jalen Brooks, Carter, and Brett Zanotto, the linebacking spot is a work in progress as far as the backups are concerned.
Next: Dez Wells shines in Summer League semifinals
Cockerille definitely could see time as a linebacker if he impresses during training camp. For a guy that is now playing for his third head coach, Cockerille may have finally found his true home at the collegiate level.