The linebacking core was dealt a huge blow when Demeioun Robinson decided to transfer and is now at Penn State. The team had lost Deshawn Holt and Brandon Jennings earlier in the offseason, so Maryland will have to replace a lot of snaps from last year. However, this group still has some talent returning and even more, coming in. Let’s see how the linebackers look right now.
JACK:
Durell Nchami: When Nchami has been on the field he’s been Maryland’s best pass rusher. The only problem is he has had trouble staying on the field. Nchami all of 2019 due to a torn ACL and missed games in 2020 and 2021 to various injuries. His talent isn’t the concern, it’s whether or not he’ll be available for an entire season. If that does happen, don’t be surprised if Nchami is one of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten in 2022.
Terrance Butler Jr.: Butler is entering his second year in College Park and might be in the rotation sooner than people thought he would be. Coming in as a three-star recruit from St. Francis Butler was seen as a raw player that would take some time to develop. However, after only appearing in three games last year, there were good reports of him coming out of spring practice. With Robinson’s transfer having Butler develop would be a big help.
Inside Guys:
Vandarius Cowan: Cowan was one of the biggest transfer commits for Maryland this offseason. Maryland is hoping the former West Virginia and Alabama linebacker will make an immediate impact. While Cowan is an inside guy, he could line up on the outside as well. During his time at West Virginia, he played in 16 games totaling 38 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, and one forced fumble. Cowan’s impact on the field will be important for the Terps.
Fa’Najae Gotay: Gotay is one of the leaders on Maryland’s defense. After losing him to a season-ending injury to West Virginia last year, the linebacking core took a hit. Now he’s back and the team will need their hard-hitting veteran. While Gotay is a good linebacker, he has to be careful with his aggressiveness or he could get hit with flags. Gotay’s return is an under-the-radar story for the 2022 season.
Ruben Hyppolite: Hyppolite is another player that was bothered by injuries last year. Despite playing in all 13 games last year, he was limited in some of them. In his two years at Maryland, Hyppolite has shown flashes of what his potential could be as a linebacker. His best game so far was his seven tackle, two sacks performance against Penn State in 2020. The key to Hyppolite is to stay healthy and keep growing as a player. He is a breakout candidate for the Terps.
Gereme Spraggins: A junior college transfer last year, Spraggins had some struggles early on as he was still adjusted to power five football. He started to put it together towards the end of the year and has a chance to start this year. Even if he doesn’t start, he’ll be one of the top reserves for the Terps at inside ‘backer. If Spraggins can continue to build off of last season that will be a big help to Maryland.
TJ Kautai: Kautai hasn’t played a lot for Maryland. In his two years as a Terps, he’s only appeared in five games. He’ll be in a battle for playing time.
Outside Guys:
Ahmad McCullough: McCullough has continued to earn more playing time throughout his time at Maryland. After appearing in four games in his first two seasons, McCullough has played in all but one of his last two. His numbers have gone up as well, going from 15 tackles in 2020 to 29 in 2021. He’s someone not to be forgotten, even with the new faces.
Kameron Blount: In three years at Maryland Blount has only appeared in four games and made one tackle. Heading into his redshirt junior season, it’s coming close to now or never for him.
Freshmen:
Jaishawn Barham: the former St. Frances star was the highest-rated signee for the Terps in the 2022 class. He had crazy recruitment that included a commitment to South Carolina before flipping just a few days later during the early signing period to Maryland. Being an early enrollee will also give him an edge when it comes to early playing time. Barham can line up at either inside or outside ‘backer which could come in handy throughout the season. Barham’s playing time for his freshman year isn’t a matter of if or when he sees the field, it’s how often.
Caleb Wheatland: Because of Barham, it’s easy to forget that Wheatland also enrolled early for the Terps. The two are very close in size, with Wheatland being listed at 6’2”, 235 pounds, and Barham at 6’3”, 230 pounds. While Barham is almost guaranteed playing time, Wheatland could be a dark horse to see the field early as an inside ‘backer.
Kellan Wyatt: Wyatt is the only true freshman linebacker that won’t be on campus until the summer. Because of that, he could be the forgotten man of the linebacking core early on. However, all it will take is some good reps at practice to get people to notice him.
Andrew Booker: Booker was a grey shirt from the 2021 class. The younger brother of Tank Booker, Andrew was training with the team last year, which could give him an edge others the other young guys. He’s listed at the same height as Barham and three pounds heavier than Wheatland. Booker is a name to remember.
Verdict: Just as the wide receiver was the biggest question mark on offense, the linebackers are that for the defense. If everyone can stay healthy and the young guys develop this could be an above-average group. However, in football, things never go according to plan. Maryland will look to shore up their outside linebacker depth after guys like Frankie Burgess and Demeioun Robinson departed, but the Terps have experience inside.
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