Football

Maryland football 2024 spring ball preview: DL and LB

Maryland is set to open spring ball on Tuesday and after reviewing the quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, wide receivers and offensive line, we take a look at the Terps’ front seven heading into the first practice:

Defensive Line

Spring roster:

rSR Isaac Bunyun
rSR Quashon Fuller
SR Taizse Johnson
SR Tommy Akingbesote
rSO Jordan Phillips
rSO Daniel Owens
SO Dillan Fontus
SO Lavon Johnson

Where they stand:

Maryland has ample experience to turn to along the defensive line with Quashon Fuller, Taizse Johnson, Tommy Akingbesote and Jordan Phillips all back in 2024. Phillips drew the bulk of the buzz on the defensive side of the ball last season where he proved to be an efficient starter in his first season both with the program, and in an elevated role. Now it’s about being consistent for Phillips and Akingbesote, while Johnson has been a consistent leader in the locker room. Isaac Bunyun is also among the returners where he steps back into a rotational role to bolster the rotation, and while the spring gives Maryland a chance to take the next step among the starting unit, one question for the Terps is who will step up to replace the void left by Tre Colbert? The next month could give second-year DL Lavon Johnson a chance to step into the rotation, while sophomore Dillan Fontus has drawn buzz after playing in ten games through his freshman year into the offseason. On the edge, Fuller was able to take a step forward as a reliable, consistent contributor in his second season with the program and returns to provide a quick twitch to bolster the pass rush with Daniel Owens looking to turn his progress in the weight room to production on the field. Maryland will welcome Norland (FL) defensive lineman Dimitry Nicolas during the summer session to add more depth to the unit.

Linebackers

Spring roster:

OLBs

SR Donnell Brown
JR Kellan Wyatt
SO DJ Samuels
rFR Dylan Gooden
rFR Neeo Avery
FR Anthony Reddick

ILBs

rSR Fa’Najae Gotay
SR Ruben Hyppolite
JR Caleb Wheatland
SO Daniel Wingate
SO Mike Harris
FR Keyari James

Where they stand:

By now, fans are more than aware of just how impactful Donnell Brown is within the Terps’ defense, while the efficiency and versatility from Kellan Wyatt gave the front seven a dependable key contributor to generate pressure off the edge. The in-state duo accounted for nearly 25% of Maryland’s sacks last year, but the buzz in the OLB room centers around Neeo Avery. While fans may be in wait-and-see mode on the former Good Counsel quarterback-turned-lineman, there’s ample confidence that Avery will be an instant impact for the Terps to add to the front seven’s versatility in 2024.

The return of Fa’Najae Gotay and Ruben Hyppolite has reshaped the outlook of the inside linebacker room as position coach Lance Thompson now has a pair of experienced veterans to turn to once again. Gotay taking over the MIKE with Hyppolite as the WILL gives the unit ample confidence heading into the season with Caleb Wheatland stepping in as an experienced, dependable MIKE. Daniel Wingate and Mike Harris also flashed during their limited times after playing in nine and seven games as freshmen, while high-ceiling prospect Keyari James will get a chance to showcase himself at the Power Five level after thriving in his two seasons at Clearwater Academy International (FL). James gives the room another potential MIKE and an underclassman who’s been with the program since bowl prep acclimating himself within the Terps’ defense. The Canadian linebacker will now look to create a role within the rotation, while the unit will welcome Spalding LB Keshawn Flowers during the summer session.