Beau Brade talks opting in, QB Payton Thorne, young secondary

While Maryland’s offensive star won’t be available this weekend with Taulia Tagovailoa opting out, the defense will have its most dependable player available as safety Beau Brade will suit up vs. Auburn. The veteran safety never wavered in his decision to play in the Music City Bowl and will get a chance to play his first SEC team in his career. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUEHOs0dE9w “I thought about kind of my family and I talked to my friends, some of my teammates, past teammates about it. I just decided like it was what I wanted to do. I want to finish my season out with my guys. I started with them, some of these guys since four years ago and man, like, I want to finish off strong,” Brade told reporters last week. “I know we played the Rutgers game. I was like, I don't want to finish off on that. I want to have a big one, so playing for my guys.” Now, Brade will look to lead Maryland’s defense to its third consecutive bowl win, something the program hasn’t achieved in over 20 years, in its first appearance in the Music City Bowl. “I know I've never been to Nashville, heard a lot of things about it, but I'm most excited probably about playing Auburn, SEC team. Never got to play one of those guys, so I'm going to showcase my talent and showcase our defense. They’re known for a lot of their, well, SEC ball, of course. I want to see what it's about.” Brade was surprisingly named an honorable mention All-Big Ten selection in each of the last two seasons despite being Maryland's leading tackler, but the NFL buzz surrounding the former three-star prospect out of River Hill (MD) has steadily grown ever since being tabbed the second-best draft-eligible strong safety by Phil Steele in the offseason. Beau Brade became the first Terp to accept his invitation to the Reese’s Senior Bowl earlier this month, making this weekend’s game very likely his last game as a Terp, but he hasn’t shared his intentions heading into the bowl game. “I haven't quite decided yet, but definitely looking at that.” Maryland began scouting Auburn last Monday as the defense prepares for a revamped Tigers’ receiver room following multiple departures, including former local wideout Malcolm Johnson Jr. “They of course got some guys whether they're transferring on to the next level or anything. We were looking at their starters and their depth chart the other day and I don't see recognize any names besides, of course, their starting quarterback who was at Michigan State last year. So, I mean, Uh, definitely a lot of new faces, but I mean, I'm ready for we're going to be watching film on them throughout the week. Leading up to the game I'm excited.” One thing that Brade does know is the Tigers will have Payton Thorne under center, someone the Terps’ defense is plenty familiar. “He’s a good quarterback. Enjoyed playing him. He has some good arm talent. He's definitely a runner as he's definitely showcased this season so I’m excited to play him again.” While Beau Brade and Dante Trader Jr. could make their last start together this weekend, Brade also pointed to the rest of the secondary who could flash against Auburn. “Lionell Whitaker will get some playing time. Perry Fisher, one of them will probably start. And then, of course, we got Lavain Scruggs, he's a safety, 34, who's a young guy coming in. Always been a plan maker guy is Glen Miller. He's not young, but, I mean, he's definitely underappreciated throughout, just I feel like everywhere. He's probably one of our best playmakers on the defense. He can play any position—corner, nickel, safeties. He’s played all those just four years here. We’re excited to see what he's going to do.” Related Links Maryland trending for local guard with decision expected (+)Evaluating Maryland football’s remaining roster needs in 2024 (+) Scouting Maryland’s bowl opponent: Auburn’s offenseVIP: bowl prep, OL developments, confidence in vet (+)Young Terps: fallout from early signing period | OL development | basketball’s first road winBilly Edwards Jr. ready to lead Maryland’s QBs vs. Auburn