SB Nation - Dave Philistin

Maryland Football Season Review: Linebackers

Ben Broman — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 15:00:28 -0000

by Nick Wass - AP

2 months ago: Virginia fullback Rashawn Jackson, left, rushes against Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield (59) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, in College Park, Md. Virginia won 20-9. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

View full size photo »

Behind Penn State and Miami, Maryland has very quietly become a legitimate Linebacker U (they also have earned the title of Punter U, but that's not quite so good). Ever since the great E.J. himself, Maryland has had a history of solid linebackers who would be great in college and/or the pros: Leon Joe, Shawne Merriman, D'Qwell Jackson, Erin Henderson, and Dave Philistin have all graced Byrd stadium the past decade.

This year was little different. Despite having a nonexistent defensive line in front of them and an average secondary behind them, the linebackers were still the strong point of the defense and a new name might be entering that pantheon mentioned earlier: Alex Wujciak.

Alex Wujciak

131 tackles, 8.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 INT

I've always held that Wujciak isn't quite as good as his stats indicate because he's able to rack up tackles thanks to a poor defensive line that allows running backs to get to the second level. While I still believe that he becomes vulnerable in space and can give up big plays against the pass, you'd be a fool not to recognize that he's the best defender Maryland has against the run and is one of the best run support linebackers in the country. Even though he hurt Maryland at times, he helped far more and was key in keeping them in most games they were able to stay in.

Thankfully, Wujciak will almost certainly return next year. His starting spot is secured and he'll be an award contender.

Demetrius Hartsfield

63 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3.5 sacks

I saw a tweet from Hartsfield today (on his awesomely named CinquanteNeuf Twitter account) that told Shawne Merriman he'd be the best LB ever to come out of Maryland. As strange as it sounds, he's got a shot.

Hartsfield started from day one his redshirt freshman season, and was no question the starter every single week until injury. Although he showed some problems early on, he was one of the best players on Maryland's defense before too long and was absolutely instrumental in the Clemson win. Similar to Wujciak, he has a nose for the ball, but has above-average physical tools. Some of the issues - focus, finishing plays - will work themselves out, and when they do, Maryland will have a very good linebacker on their hands.

Like Wujciak, he'll be back next year to make for an exciting corps.

Adrian Moten

68 tackles, 9 TFL, 6 sacks

The most entertaining of the group, Adrian Moten is the edge pass rusher of the bunch. He wasn't as spectacular and consistent as I remember him being in his freshman and sophomore years, but, then again, this was his first year as a full starter. He was solid against the pass when in coverage and was easily Maryland's most effective rusher - it's a wonder he wasn't placed as DE in obvious passing situations more often.

Against the run, he was rather quiet. He's not a big guy and that did hurt, but his quickness made up for it. Like Wujciak, he had a hole in his game, but an outstanding stat - this time, 6 sacks on a team that had trouble getting pressure from the front four - outweighed it.

Moten will come back and join Wujciak and Hartsfield as a starter to complete the trifecta. The defensive second level will be extremely tough next year - if the line comes together, the defense could be very good.

Ben Pooler

5 starts, 43 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 3 sacks

Pooler replaced Hartsfield when he went out with an arm injury for several weeks, and was pretty darn impressive doing it. I was never as comfortable with him back there as I was with Demetrius, but he might've been more productive in less time.

Returning from a leg injury that kept him out all of last season, Pooler was a question mark. He made his living rushing the passer and clogging the running lanes admirably - he was mighty impressive for being thrown in on short notice. Like the rest, he wasn't perfect - he was easily beaten on crossing routes when in zone and got called for two PIs, I believe - but he was unexpectedly good.

Here's a shocker: he'll return too. He should man the primary backup role at all three spots.

Darin Drakeford

18 tackles, 1 TFL

At the outset of the season, most people believed that Drakeford's redshirt would have to be burned for special teams and backup purposes. While he was out there a decent amount on ST, the backup PT wasn't quite as plentiful. He saw about four plays a game, generously, and some (me, for instance) question the redshirt.

Actually, it stings because you realize Drakeford has the potential to be special. In his most memorable play in the final game of the year, he showcased his speed, instincts, and strength by leveling Montel Harris on a 3rd and short. Playing time will be difficult to come by next year, unfortunately - or, at least, I hope it will be - but Drakeford will see an increased role his junior season.

Avery Murray

7 tackles

See above. Murray, like Drakeford, burnt his redshirt in the first game - I don't really understand why both of them did - and spent the entire season almost exclusively on special teams. Irresponsible policy aside, Murray rarely saw the field on defense, despite bringing in solid strength and speed. Like Drakeford, he'll be competing for a spot by his junior year.

Ryan Donohue

4 tackles

See above, again, only this time less sensible. Another freshman burning, Donohue lost his shirt rather inexplicably in the middle of the year on special teams. I only remember one play on regular defense, and he was relatively quiet then, too.

Basically a Wujciak clone, Donohue is slower and bigger than you might like, but instinctive and tough. He'll wrack up tackles if he replaces Wujciak instead of Murray or Drakeford.

The Future

Much like the wide receiver spot across the line, all of Maryland's LBs return for another season, and all of them should be greatly improved. You can throw in redshirt freshmen Bradley Johnson and Marcus Whitfield, too. Needless to say, linebackers will be stocked well, and the talent runs deep.

The key will be the performance of the DL. If they can just reach average, running on these Terps will be a tough proposition. The 'backers are evenly distributed, too: a run stuffer in Wujciak, a more pass-oriented guy in Moten, and the coverage/balance man in Hartsfield. Can't ask for much more.

Penn State can take the name, but Maryland just may be Linebacker U, too.

Scouting the 2009 Football Opponents

FSUncensored — Sat, 23 May 2009 17:50:11 -0000

This page is dedicated to scouting the opponents the Noles will face in 2009. Whenever you see news on an opposing team, post it in this comment section (which will remain open for eternity or until 2010). This page can be found in the left column under "special pages."

07.27.09 Massive Update

Miami (FL)

@ Brigham Young University (BYU)

BYU had 3 starting/ Contributing defensive linemen leave for Mormon missions or fail out. Tialavea had started for two years ('07 and 08). Russell Tialavea (6-3 305) is a defensive tackle, and Ian Dulan (6-1 275) is the defensive end. Afutti is the 3rd. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705311402/BYU-football-Lineman-Afutiti-ruled-ineligible-for-09-season.html BYU loses another defensive lineman. BYU announced Thursday that junior defensive lineman Bernard Afutiti has been ruled academically ineligible and will not compete for the Cougars in 2009. Afutiti is the latest in a string of D-linemen who will not play for BYU this season. Starters Ian Dulan and Russell Tialavea, both juniors, have opted to serve missions. According to the depth chart released after spring practices, Afutiti was listed as Jan Jorgensen’s backup at left end. Afutiti, who was projected to be a major contributor this season, was sidelined for almost all of spring ball for academic reasons.
There are no slogans for the Cougars this season, after last year’s "Quest for Perfection" ended with a 10-3 record. The Cougars will be lucky to leave their 2009 opener with a victory. They open the season against Oklahoma at the Dallas Cowboys’ new stadium in Arlington, Texas. BYU also plays home games against Florida State on Sept. 19, TCU on Oct. 24 and Utah on Nov. 28. Quarterback Max Hall returns, but four starters on the offensive line must be replaced. The Cougars also lost top receivers Austin Collie and Michael Reed. The offense might be OK if tailback Harvey Unga stays healthy. Eight starters return on defense, but BYU still had questions at cornerback at the end of spring practice.
http://philsteele.com/online/2009Top40/15BYU.pdf
http://cfn.scout.com/2/878353.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/878352.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/878351.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/878350.html

South Florida (USF)

http://nationalchamps.net/2009/sub/previews/southflorida.htm
http://cfn.scout.com/2/867735.html
http://philsteele.com/online/2009Top40/26USF.pdf
USF had an unsustainable high success rate on passing downs (2nd and 8+, 3rd/4th and 5+) http://footballoutsiders.com/varsity-numbers/2009/varsity-numbers-2008-offensive-buffet
Rivals.com College Football - Rivals.com 120 Countdown: No. 25 South Florida
The Quad Countdown: No. 40 South Florida - The Quad Blog - NYTimes.com

@ Boston College

BC Linebacker Mark Herzlich has Ewings Sarcoma (Bone Cancer), and will undergo Chemo. BC is now without their top 4 linebackers from last year (studs), and without their two monster defensive tackles.
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/05/acc-spring-prospectus-no-8-boston-college.html (before the bone cancer for Herzlich)
College Football News preview http://cfn.scout.com/2/859843.html
CFN Offense Preview http://cfn.scout.com/2/859860.html
CFN Defense Preview http://cfn.scout.com/2/859860.html
CFN Depth Chart http://cfn.scout.com/2/872120.html
BC's coach: "we won’t be spreading it out or throwing it a bunch. we will be pro style 2 back rushing"
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=957386#68
http://www.athlonsports.com/college-football/16992/2009-boston-college-eagles-preview
Know your enemies (UNC blog) http://tarheeltds.wordpress.com/2009/07/24/know-your-enemies-9-atlantic-boston-college/
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/07/bc-spazianis-3-5-3-defense.html

Georgia Tech

@ UNC

NC State

Phil Steele NC State Preview Page (a very good download)
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/05/acc-spring-prospectus-no-4-nc-state.html
http://www.garnetandblackattack.com/2009/5/21/878683/post-spring-preview-nc-state
Note: probably unsustainable level of long distance downs success
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpIPZ5C9J3o&feature=channel_page
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=baAszlaKsjc&feature=channel_page
http://cfn.scout.com/2/859855.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/875182.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/875181.html
http://cfn.scout.com/2/875180.html
Know Your Enemies- 6 (Atlantic)- NC State " UNC Football Blog

@ Clemson

http://nationalchamps.net/2009/sub/previews/clemson.htm
http://cfn.scout.com/2/859844.html
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/05/acc-spring-prospectus-no-7-clemson.html Not very well done
http://www.philsteele.com/online/2009Top40/25Clemson.pdf
Know your enemies (UNC blog) http://tarheeltds.wordpress.com/2009/07/23/know-your-enemies-8-atlantic-clemson/
Rivals.com College Football - Rivals.com 120 Countdown: No. 32 Clemson
http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/In-search-of-the-Dabo-difference-at-Clemson?urn=ncaaf,178438
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/04/defensive-line-and-depth-chart.html
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/04/inside-steele-curtain-cover-3-zone.html
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/04/inside-steele-curtain-robber.html
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/03/inside-steele-curtain-4-3-overunder.html
http://clempsonfootball.blogspot.com/2009/03/inside-steele-curtain-cover-3-zone.html

@ Wake

CollegeFootballNews http://cfn.scout.com/2/859849.html
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/05/acc-spring-prospectus-no-9-wake-forest.html
CFN Offense http://cfn.scout.com/2/865524.html
CFN Defense http://cfn.scout.com/2/865523.html
CFN Depth Chart http://cfn.scout.com/2/865523.html
http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/06/24/the-quad-countdown-no-69-wake-forest/
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=961033
Know your Enemies http://tarheeltds.wordpress.com/2009/07/26/know-your-enemies-10-atlantic-wake-forest/

Maryland

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/sports_college/2009/05/acc-spring-prospectus-no-10-maryland-.html
CollegeFootballNews Preview http://cfn.scout.com/2/859850.html
CFN Offense http://cfn.scout.com/2/870207.html
CFN Defense http://cfn.scout.com/2/870206.html
CFN Depth Chart http://cfn.scout.com/2/870205.html
http://collegefootball.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=957779#59
Very Biased DL – Much of the defensive line’s success will come from whether or not junior DT Dion Armstrong stays academically eligible. Right now, Friedgen said that Armstrong is probably 50/50. The Terps are already without DE Mack Frost, DT Jeremy Navarre (Jaguars) and DE Trey Covington (Jets, I think) but both were guys who never lived up to their potential. Senior lineman Travis Ivey will start but missed part of the spring with an injury. Redshirt freshmen AJ Francis and Masengo Kabongo may start but will definitely get playing time either way. True freshmen DeOnte Arnett and Zach Kerr could see the field and have the talent, but may not be needed.
LB – Dave Philistin and Moise Fokou both got picked up by NFL teams after going undrafted, and the Terps have some big shoes to fill. However, junior Adrian Moten could be an all-conference player if he stays healthy. Junior Alex Wujciak led the team in tackles last year (133 total) and is a monster in the middle. Sophomore Ben Pooler should contribute and could start by the fall, but has to heal a lingering injury first. Redshirt freshman Demetrius Hartsfield may start and nearly saw the field last year. He has earned high praise from Friedgen and is an attacking backer with serious athleticism. Junior Drew Gloster, a former tight end with academic/attitude issues, switched to linebacker and has turned some heads.

CB – Kevin Barnes got drafted by the Redskins but was out for the majority of the year with a shoulder injury, which meant several reserves got meaningful playing time. Senior Anthony Wiseman leads the crew and starts alongside senior Nolan Carroll. Fifth-year senior Richard Taylor should get granted an extra year of eligibility after getting hurt last season. Other reserves include sophomore Trenton Hughes, who didn’t play last season, and sophomore Cam Chism, who may break through the depth chart and see the field a lot, if not start at some point. The depth is a bit of a concern but with a new scheme it may be a good time to have the young kids learning the new formations and plays.

S – The Terps lose Jeff Allen but return senior Terrell Skinner, a senior known for making some big hits last season. Senior Jamari McCollough started just two games at strong safety last year but picked off four passes and should be a solid starter in a senior-laden secondary. Sophomore Kenny Tate is a monster at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds and has great instincts for a young player, and should see the field a lot.

Defensive injuries/academics/questionables – The Terps stole first-year defensive coordinator Don Brown from his head coaching gig at UMASS and he has already made waves. Brown is an old-school dude with a mustache and a gruff voice, who loves to blitz and put pressure on the quarterback. This is a welcomed change from former DC Chris Cosh (Kansas State), who played a very soft zone predicated on reacting to a play rather than altering it. The defensive line will be much, much stronger if Armstrong can stay eligible.

SPECIAL TEAMS

K – Obi Egekeze is gone and Maryland must figure out a way to replace him, despite a fairly weak leg and some consistency issues. Fighting for the starting gig are Mike Barbour and Nick Wallace (IUP transfer). Nick Ferrara, a heralded high school kicker in Long Island, NY, may swoop in and take the job when he begins class this fall.

P – Junior Travis Baltz returns as one of the top punters in the nation, first-team All-ACC and led the ACC in punting as a sophomore.

QB – For the first time in several years, there is no quarterback controversy. Chris Turner has the gig for once and for all. QBs Jordan Steffy (graduated) and Josh Portis (transferred) are no longer with the program. Turner has been effective, though not a stud by any means. He started nine games as a sophomore and 12 games as a junior, so he has good experience for an ACC quarterback. Turner doesn’t have a cannon but does have the ability to make good throws and should be one of the better returning ACC quarterbacks. His biggest asset is probably his ability to keep an even keel, something that the coaching staff jokes about as he is a California kid.

RB – Top rusher Da’Rel Scott (209 car, 1,113 yards, 8 TDs) returns, as do Nos. 2 and 3 in sophomore Davin Meggett (89 car, 457 yds, 4 TDs) and Morgan Green (24 car, 112 yds, 3 TDs). While those are the top three running backs on the roster, the Terps do lose a mobile QB in Portis, who carried for 186 yards last season, and WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (15 car, 202 yds, TD), who ran reverses and trick plays last year. Scott missed part of the spring with a sprained knee but should be 100% back to health by June.

FB – Senior fullback Cory Jackson is one of the best players on the Terps’ offense. Though he rarely gets carries, he paved the way for NFL RBs Keon Lattimore and Lance Ball, and has a high motor. As a sophomore, he broke his hand against UNC before the half, got his hand taped up and started the second half.

OL – Easily the biggest concern for this team, having graduated three off the line, including center Edwin Williams. Junior Bruce Campbell has NFL talent if he can stay academically eligible (it looks likely he will), but other than Campbell and senior Phil Costa, the o-line has very little experience. Costa is taking over at center despite never having played at center in college. A pair of redshirt freshmen in RJ Dill and Justin Lewis are slated as starters and earned praise from head coach Ralph Friedgen, but it is certainly still an area of concern.

WR – Junior receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey bolted to the NFL (#7 overall to the Raiders), yet the star wideout was under-utilized and only ended up with 23 percent of the team’s receiving yards. Still, he was the top receiving option and a terrific deep threat. Danny Oquendo, the team’s top possession receiver, graduated, leaving a crop of several young-but-unproven receivers to shoulder the load. Sophomores Ronnie Tyler (20 recs, 225 yds, TD) and Torrey Smith (24 recs, 336 yds, 2 TDs) dazzled at time last year and will be two of the top targets. Juniors Adrian Cannon (3 recs, 75 yds, TD) and Emani Lee-Odai (12 recs, 115 yds) should contribute as well, while redshirt freshmen Kevin Dorsey and Kerry Boykins have the talent to see the field this year. The wide receiving unit, while unproven, is expected to be one of the strong points on the team.

TE – Gone is Dan Gronkowski (brother of Arizona’s Rob Gronkowski), a heady blocking tight end who got selected in the 7th round of the NFL Draft. Everyone else in the TE corps comes back, though. Senior Tommy Galt will be the primary blocking tight end and the Terps have a trio of tight ends who are known for their hands: sophomore Lansford Watson (10 recs, 115 yds), Matt Furstenburg (RS-Fr) and Devonte Campbell (RS-Fr), who should all be good options for Turner to find.

Offensive injuries/academics/questionables – Offensive coordinator James Franklin is in his second year after coming to Maryland from Kansas State. He was named the head coach in waiting in the offseason and is a very good recruiter. However, last year the Terps lacked some offensive sizzle that Franklin was expected to bring, running a fairly vanilla scheme. Potential future pro Bruce Campbell has to fight to stay academically eligible but missed part of spring practice to hit the books.

@ UF

I plan to update this page throughout the offseason and during the season. Anything you find, put it in this comment section. Help the cause, and in turn, we'll write better previews for our games.

Terps Out of It

Ben Broman — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 16:01:33 -0000

After attending the game, I can't express in words just how disappointed I am with this team. A night game, a blackout, a must-win, senior night...and they give that kind of performance. It was just sad.

One could tell from the beginning it wasn't going to be a good game. Florida State came out pumped up, jumping around, very active. Maryland? Almost somber. Very little energy. That was echoed when the game started.

Chris Turner did not have a good day, obviously. Threw a couple of picks that really hurt. That's not to say he was the biggest culprit - pointing out one player would be hugely incorrect. No one did their job last night. The offensive line is another big one - perhaps Turner would've done better if he wasn't getting whacked every time he stepped back to pass. And the running game - maybe if it was actually a threat, the defense would have to play honestly, and Turner wouldn't be facing a blitz every single down. At halftime, Maryland had one yard rushing. One yard!

Then there's the defense. They did very little all game. It's tough to blame them too much - they could've given up only 6 points and still lost. Not to mention how much they were on the field. But man, there were times when Christian Ponder would run over guys - a quarterback would carry a linebacker. What kind of performance is that?

That brings me to the coaching staff, who maybe were the worst of everyone. Chalk me up as one who doesn't understand James Franklin. Both starting safeties are out for FSU, and yet he decides to go dink-and-dunk for half the game. Darrius Heyward-Bey would consistently get single coverage, yet throwing it deep to him seemed to be taboo. Instead, Franklin thought to get the ball in his hands by screen plays and reverses - I have trouble with that. Another problem - on almost every pass play, Turner would roll out to his right, completely taking away half the field. Instead of covering 53 yards, the defense had to cover 26 yards. That's a substianally less amount of space, which only makes it harder for the QB. Even worse, Meggett played most of his time in the spread, while Scott played more in the 2 TE packages - the exact opposite of what's supposed to happen. The power back goes in the power set, the speed back in the speed set.

Chris Cosh wasn't better. Too often he'd set the defensive back ten yards of the line of scrimmage. This mostly happened in the 1st and 2nd quarters, and FSU saw it - they were able to hit screen plays and short dump offs for seven or eight yards consistently. The middle of the line was the weakest I've seen it in a long time. I don't know if was the players or the scheme, but it wasn't right.

Really, despite the crappy coaching, it comes down the players. Yes, at times Cosh didn't call the right set. But the times Moises Fokou, Jeremey Navarre, Dave Philistin, or Dion Armstron just ran by the guy the ball - usually Ponder - or tried (and failed) to arm tackle him instead of wrap him up...they didn't execute. Same with the offense. Franklin's plan would've worked perfectly had the line actually blocked. It's the players fault foremost, then the coaches for failing to adapt. Just a very, very saddening game.

[photo via ESPN/AP]

Injury Report for Tomorrow

Ben Broman — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 23:06:35 -0000

Check it out:

Out for Season:

Kevin Barnes (shoulder)

Tyler Bowen (leg)

Kevin Dorsey (foot)

Dominique Herald (knee)

Paul Lariviere (knee)

Ben Pooler (knee)

Richard Taylor (knee)

Joe Vellano (shoulder)

Out:

Louis Berman (leg)

Cameron Chism (leg)

Kyle Sappington (leg)

LaQuan Williams (leg)

Doubtful:

Matt Furstenburg (leg)

Jordan Steffy (hand)

Questionable:

Scott Burley (leg)

Mack Frost (leg)

Cory Jackson (leg)

Adrian Moten (wrist)

Dave Philistin (shoulder)

Da'Rel Scott (shoulder)

Personally, think one of Moten and Philistin will play. My guess would be Moten - there's been hints that he'll play. The defense is in bad shape regardless; five starters are out or questionable for this game.

I wouldn't be shocked if Jackson plays; he's a gamer who's always ready to go. Scott may play, though I think Davin Meggett will start. The coaching staff will likely see how Meggs is fairing before considering putting in Scott. Just my two cents on it; any thoughts?

Injury Update

Dave Tucker — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:00:59 -0000

According to Ralph Friedgen, Terps running back Da'Rel Scott re-injured his shoulder, which is initially injured during the Cal game. Fridge didn't say whether or not he thinks Scott will be ready for the Virginia Tech game, just that his shoulder is really sore today.

The other big injury for the Terps on Saturday was to linebacker Dave Philistin, Maryland's second leading tackler, who injured his shoulder during the first quarter. Fridge said that they weren't sure the extent of Philistin's injury and will know more after he has an MRI. Hopefully he just bruised his shoulder and didn't tear his rotator cuff. Maryland can't afford to lose any more defensive players, especially after losing Sr. Kevin Barnes and because Maryland's defense is currently their biggest weakness.