Roster Review: Secondary
- diggsreport
- Jun 9, 2022
- 6 min read
Maryland’s secondary was hurt by injuries last year, whether it was season-ending or a nagging one that affected them on the field. After losing both starting safeties and depth pieces at corner, this unit could be tested early and often when the Terps reach Big Ten play. Luckily the top three corners are back and the expected replacements at safeties have game experience. Let’s see who should make an impact during the season.
Corners:
Deonte Banks: The secondary was never the same after Banks was lost for the season after suffering a season-ending shoulder injury against Howard. Before the injury, he was thought of as a guy that was about to have a big year and his absence was sorely missed. Since coming to Maryland in 2019, Banks has steadily progressed to the point where he's a strong candidate to play on Sundays. Now in the mix for return duties, head coach Mike Locksley has praised him multiple times during his time as a Terp. “I've been really pleased with Deonte. He has some skill as a runner, you go back and look at his high school tape. He was a running back that played corner so he's got some skill as a ball carrier," Locksley said during the spring. "Explosive runner as well." A starter since his freshman year, Banks is someone to keep an eye on in 2022. He may be an All-Big Ten selection this season and remains one of the three starting cornerbacks that the defensive staff has ID'ed as early as last fall.
Tarheeb Still: After an electric freshman season, the former sophomore cornerback had some rough moments in his second year in College Park. He started all 13 games and finished second on the team and sixth in the Big Ten with 11 pass breakups. While Still didn’t intercept a pass he did recover two fumbles to go along with two sacks as his positional versatility makes him a candidate to blitz off the edge in the nickel. In 2020, he was named a freshman All-American and an All-Big Ten honorable mention after leading the nation in pass breakups per game and it was Still who remains the primary punt returner, a valid slot after kicking off the game's scoring with a 92-yard punt return touchdown in the bowl game against Virginia Tech. Still, Banks, and Bennett could take turns on who is the Terps’ best corner throughout the season.
Jakorian Bennett: Bennett’s decision to return for another year was one of the best things to happen to Maryland this offseason. With him, Banks, and Still the Terps possess one of the better top three corners in college football. Bennett led all Power Five players in pass breakups with 16 last year. He also led the team in interceptions with three. His endzone interception against West Virginia kept Maryland in the lead and ultimately led to a Terp victory. Bennett should be a leader on Maryland’s defense and someone that could be dangerous if tested.
Corey Coley: Coley had the usual freshman moments in 2021. However, he made improvements throughout the season and looks to be a future starter for the Terps as he builds off his early enrollment. As for this year, however, Coley will be the number four corner and as things stand, he'll see the field often after the secondary saw multiple cornerbacks depart. After playing in 11 games and starting three last season, Coley has steadily progressed this offseason to provided critical depth in the secondary.
Glen Miller: One could make the argument that Miller had one of, if not, the most impressive spring showing on defense and he will be at nickel while also being able to fill in at strong safety. After redshirting in 2020, he played in 12 games last year and had eight tackles. Miller is the team’s tallest defensive back, listed at 6-foot-3. He’s also known as a hard hitter and could be seen as a danger if someone tries to work the middle of the field against him. His progression has given the secondary an experienced, reliable option as he looks to build off his offseason success.
Jayon Venerable: The first commitment in Maryland's 2021 class, Venerable will be one of the players lining up at the nickel spot. Since he only played in four games last year, his redshirt was preserved. Going into 2022, Venerable must continue to grow if he’s going to see the field.
Free Safeties:
Isaiah Hazel: Hazel, a Wise (MD) product, was the first big recruiting win for Locksley when he flipped from West Virginia. Starting as a wide receiver, he moved to defense in his second year. Since moving to defensive back, Hazel has played in every game and started against Minnesota last year. A player that has seen snaps at both corner and safety, he’ll mainly be at free safety. Heading into his fourth year, Hazel has an opportunity to start if he can beat out Trader. That would be a big payoff for a player who was on the opposite side of the ball three years ago.
Dante Trader: Trader will be in a battle with Isaiah Hazel for the free safety spot that Nick Cross held the past few years. He appeared in 12 games in 2021 and finished with 16 tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup. One of the best athletes on the Terps, Trader was also a top lacrosse recruit while at McDonogh. Possessing all the talent to be a top-level free safety at the college level, he needs to keep developing. Even if Trader isn’t the starter, he’ll see the field in 2022.
Strong Safeties:
Beau Brade: With Jordan Mosely now the New York Giants, Brade becomes the favorite to win the strong safety spot. Playing in 12 games last year, he recorded 14 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and a sack. In high school, Brade reached the second-most career tackles in Howard County history. The Terps are looking for him to be a tackling machine for them this year. Eye discipline will be the biggest key for the rising River Hill product but the tenacity he plays with makes him the thumping safety the Terps need along the backline.
Shane Mosely: The brother of the previously mentioned Jordan Mosely, Shane will be in a fight to see the field this year. A redshirt sophomore, he appeared in 12 games last year, recording six tackles. With Gavin Gibson already on campus, he and Mosely will be fighting for the backup spot behind Brade.
Freshmen:
Gavin Gibson: Gibson was the only early enrollee out of the three defensive back signees and has given his insight into his transition to College Park. He and Shane Mosely will be battling it out for the backup strong safety role behind Beau Brade. One of the things that jump out about this kid is his intelligence. He had a near 4.0 GPA in high school and that could come in handy if he has to step on the field in 2022. Gibson may be considered small, measuring in at 5-foot-11, but since when has height stopped a Maryland defensive back from becoming an impact player. The former Hough (NC) product also provided insight into his transition into College Park this offseason.
Lionell Whitaker: Whitaker has a unique position where him getting playing time year one might not all be on him. If Maryland can bring in another impact corner, then all he has to do is learn from the veterans. However, if the team can’t then he may become the fifth corner behind Banks, Still, Bennett, and Coley. No matter the outcome, Whitaker can still see the field if he impresses the coaches during fall camp.
Lavain Scruggs: Scruggs will arrive as a free safety behind Hazel and Trader. The former three-star prospect was one of two signees out of Archbishop Spalding (MD) and impressed after flashing his speed for the staff during a visit and workout last summer, leading to an quick commitment. He has good size, standing at 6-foot-2 but will need some time acclimating to the college pace of the game. Lucky for him, Scruggs has guys that can teach him what it takes to succeed in the Big Ten.
Verdict: Maryland’s success in the secondary will all come down to health and depth. With three experienced options at cornerback along with safeties who saw ample playing time last fall, the unit could be in good hands. However, if there are serious injuries again and the young guys struggle, the Terps will need to get creative along the backline.
Up Next: The special teams get some love.
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