The first of two parts
Maryland’s two-deep is out. And that’s exactly what it is: Two deep, at all but two positions.
SEE RELATED:The rundown and analysis is broken into two parts. The defensive rundown will come a bit later in the afternoon.
But as for how things stand right now, here’s a position-by-position breakdown:
OFFENSIVE LINE
The starting five —- Max Garcia, Andrew Gonnella, Bennett Fulper, Josh Cary and R.J. Dill —- is precisely the same as it was coming out of the spring. And realistically, the No. 2s aren’t a surprise, either.
Nick Klemm was listed at right tackle and has shifted over to the left side. Jake Wheeler, who appears to have made a push during camp, is the backup right tackle. Guards De’Onte Arnett and Pete White and center Sal Conaboy are all listed as backups as well.
A notable absent name is Cody Blue, who entered August as the No. 2 left tackle. Not listed is junior Justin Gilbert, who is still recovering from spring ACL surgery.
WIDE RECEIVER
It’s tough to read into this particular listing. There were three wideout spots on the pre-camp depth chart, and it seems likely the Terps will utilize their share of three-receiver sets. But there’s only two wideout slots on this release.
That says pretty much what was known already: Starters Kevin Dorsey and Quintin McCree and slot options Ronnie Tyler and Kerry Boykins are Maryland’s most established receiving options. Boykins and Tyler are listed as backups, but both will probably be regulars as the Terps rotate receivers in and out.
Unlisted are senior Tony Logan, who coach Randy Edsall singled out for praise a few times over the last couple weeks. Maryland’s posse of freshman wideouts are also not on this week’s depth chart.
TIGHT END
Looks the same as it did before camp, at least at the top. Matt Furstenburg and Devonte Campbell are Maryland’s most established options at the position, and they’re listed 1-2. Absent are Dave Stinebaugh, who missed much of last year with injury, and Ryan Schlothauer, whose experience is mostly limited to special teams work entering his junior season.
QUARTERBACK
Danny O’Brien, last year’s ACC rookie of the year and a 10-game starter last season, is the No. 1 option. C.J. Brown is the backup. No surprises here, since O’Brien and Brown are the Terps’ lone scholarship quarterbacks.
TAILBACK
Things get interesting here. Davin Meggett is the starter, as expected, with redshirt freshman Jeremiah Wilson and true freshman Justus Pickett listed as the co-backups.
So where’s D.J. Adams? That’s a notable omission. The sophomore rushed for 11 touchdowns a year ago. His status (or lack thereof) makes it look like Meggett could truly be a workhorse back as a senior.
FULLBACK
True freshman Tyler Cierski —- listed at 6-foot, 255 pounds —- is the top option, with redshirt freshman Rahsaan Moore pegged as the backup initially. Cierski always appeared to be one of the true freshman most likely to play this season based on opportunity alone. It appears he’s earned the chance during camp.
KICKER
Junior Nick Ferrara has held onto a job won in the spring.
PUNTER
Ferrara will apparently pull double-duty, besting true freshman Nathan Renfro for the job.
LONG SNAPPER
Reliable veteran Tim Downs will handle these duties for the third straight year.
HOLDER
Walk-on Michael Tart will take over this vacancy.
PUNT RETURNER
In a shock to no one, Tony Logan will handle these duties for the third consecutive season. Logan returned two punts for touchdowns last year.
KICKOFF RETURNER
The Terps have gone with reserve running backs to replace Torrey Smith. Pickett is listed ahead of Wilson; if Maryland receives the opening kickoff on Labor Day, Pickett just might be the first true freshman on the field for the Terps this season.
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