In the 2014 season, the Terps secondary was the defense’s biggest weakness. However in 2015, the unit is easily the defenses most experienced corp and should be a strength for the Terps.  Led by 2014 standout Will Likely, the group will try to boost a pass defense that allowed 234.2 passing yards per game, 78th in the FBS. They also allowed 19 passing touchdowns, equaling the amount the Terps offense totaled in 2014.

With so much youth relied on up front in Keith Dudzinski’s 4-3 defense, the secondary is going to need to provide consistency each week. Since the linebackers will play a bigger role in coverage for the pass defense, the cornerbacks will need to step up their coverage on opposing receivers.  

With the first depth chart released at Big Ten Media Day, here is insight on the cornerbacks at the top for the Terps in 2015.

(Discuss on the BSL board here)

Will Likely, CB Junior

2014: 6 interceptions,15 passes deflected, 9 passes broken up, 83 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble

2013: 1 interception, 7 passes deflected, 6 passed broken up, 70 tackles, and 4.5 tackles for loss

Since beginning his career at Maryland, Likely has been a major factor for the Terps on defense and on special teams. Last season he really emerged as a defensive weapon in the secondary with his six interceptions. Despite being just 5-foot-7, Likely has shown the ability to be a lockdown defender, even against bigger receivers. He is the most explosive player in the Terps secondary and is primed to have another big season in 2015.

Likely was a first team All-Big Ten selection by the coaches and media in 2014. His six interceptions were tied for the Big Ten lead and tied for the FBS lead with two interceptions returned for a touchdown. His career-high in tackles came in the regular-season finale against Rutgers when he recorded 12 tackles.  

Heading into 2015, Likely is on several preseason award watch lists, including the Bednarik Award (top defensive player) and Thorpe Award (nation’s best defensive back). In an experienced secondary, Likely will be one of the anchors in the coverage of opposing wideouts and vital to the team’s pass defense. If Likely can better his play from 2014, then the Terps Will Likely see an overall improvement in their pass defense.

Sean Davis, CB Senior

2014: 115 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 8 passes deflected, 8 passes broken up, one sack, and a forced fumble

2013: 2 interceptions, 102 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 5 passes deflected, 3 passes broken up, and a fumble recovery

For the last two seasons, Davis has been a leading tackler for the Terps. Even playing in the secondary, Davis finds ways to make plays and bring down the ball carrier. Throughout most of his career at Maryland, Davis has played safety, but made a pair of starts at cornerback last year. He is expected to be a cornerback for the 2015 season and will add another playmaker to the unit.

Davis led the Terps in tackles in 2013 and finished second in 2014. He also led the Big Ten in tackles by a defensive back and ranked in the FBS in the category. In the Terps’ loss to Wisconsin, he recorded a career-high 17 tackles. His first start at cornerback came against Penn State where he had a team-high 11 tackles, a tackle for loss and three pass breakups.

While in high school, Davis played cornerback and was No. 30 in the nation at the position. It will be an adjustment as a full-time starter at cornerback next season, but he has already proved that he can be effective there at the collegiate level. His tackles could drop slightly since he’ll be used more in coverage at cornerback, but he could still rank near the top for the team. The new 4-3 defense could feature some interesting blitz packages to get Davis into opposing offense’s backfield.

Alvin Hill, CB Senior

2014: 1 interception, 4 passes deflected, 3 passes broken up, and 13 tackles

2013: 24 tackles, 4 passes deflected and 4 passes broken up

Hill’s 2014 season was cut short due to a torn PCL suffered against Syracuse, but is expected to be ready for the 2015 season-opener. He won the starting job last season in camp and was listed as a backup on the first depth chart released for 2015. Hill will see plenty of playing time this season as part of the experienced cornerback group and will need to improve on his ability to keep opposing receivers in front of him. He was beat down field numerous times last season and it’s something to keep an eye in the future.

Starting all four games he appeared in last season, Hill grabbed his first career interception against Central Florida and had a career-high five tackles against West Virginia. He appeared in 12 games in the 2013 season and recorded four tackles in the Military Bowl against Marshall.

Returning from injury, especially a knee injury is always tough, but Hill will be relied on heavily in the secondary. When he earned the starting job last season, Hill proved he belongs on the field and played well in his shortened season. Behind Likely and Davis, Hill is expected to be a part of the Terps’ improved pass defense.

Jarrett Ross, CB Junior

2014: 10 tackles, 3 passes deflected and 3 passes broken up

2013: 7 tackles

Ross has played in 12 games each of the last two seasons, but has never made a start. He joins Hill as backups on the depth chart, but will be a major part of the Terps secondary in 2015. Ross has the game experience to be a contributor and now the next step will be to improve his overall play on defense.

Ross’ career-high three tackles came against Indiana last season. He also had two tackles against Ohio State and Rutgers. Ross has not filled up the stat sheet in his Terps career, but look for that to change next season.

The younger cornerbacks behind Ross on the depth chart are expected to push him and the Terps hope that will resulted in elevated play. Due to his experience with the program, Ross should have the opportunity to play early in the season, but he’s the most likely to be replaced on the depth chart.

Rounding out the cornerback depth chart:

Daniel Ezeagwu, CB Sophomore

Antwaine Carter, CB Sophomore

Darnell Savage, CB Freshman

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Q&A with Zack and Chris

Q: Unlike last season, the cornerback position is the most experienced area on the defense. Who do you expect to stand out and lead the way this season?

Kiesel: William Likely is the obvious choice here, as he will be the leader and the star of Keith Dudzinski’s unit in 2015. While he is just 5-foot-7, everyone now knows how much bigger than that he actually plays. His coverage skills paired with his playmaking abilities make him one of the best defensive players not only for the Terrapins, but in the entire conference. It is very possible that he leaves for the NFL after this season, which could make this his final year playing in College Park.

Garman: Will Likely will be a huge factor and playmaker all season, but I expect big things from Sean Davis in his senior season. There are times when watching Davis last season, where he truly seemed like a man possessed on the football field. He was in on tackles frequently and always found the ball carrier. The biggest task for him will be being a cover man in the secondary, but his previous experience at the position makes me confident that he can make the transition. Despite the position switch, I expect him to rack up a high number of tackles and create several turnovers with forced fumbles and interceptions.

Q: Sean Davis was one of the leading tacklers on the team the last 2 seasons, do you expect him to be there again in 2015?

Kiesel: Davis is one of the more underrated players in the Big Ten, and has been extremely productive ever since his sophomore season in 2013. Despite his large frame, he played very well at cornerback towards the end of last season. Cornerbacks will not rack up nearly as many tackles as linebackers and safeties, so his tackle numbers will certainly be down. However, he has shown some very good ball skills as a safety, so it will be interesting to see if they carry over to the cornerback spot. He is a player who will be counted on in a big way this season, and his ability to be a solid cover corner will surely be tested.

Garman: It isn’t likely that he will rank in the top two in tackles again next season, but I do feel that he will have a high number for a cornerback. Davis will be a major part of the Terps secondary next season and I am really eager to see him and Likely play at the position together. I think the two will compliment eachother well and they will be tested heavily as a duo. This unit will be a major a key part to the Terps’ success next season and Davis will be at the forefront of that success.

Q: Despite being undersized, Will Likely has shown the ability to guard opposing team’s top receivers. Will he continue to do the same next season or will one of the other corners with more size show the same capability?

Kiesel: Likely is a surprisingly versatile cornerback, able to play both outside and inside. Usually, the coaching staff moved him inside to play against opposing teams’ smaller slot receivers in their nickel and dime packages, and I’d expect that to stay the same. Sean Davis and Alvin Hill have the size and coverage ability to play against some of the bigger outside receivers in the Big Ten, so I’d expect Likely to move inside when both of them are on the field.

Garman: Likely can do a lot against bigger receivers and make up for his lack of size. His speed helps him break on the ball and make plays in the secondary. I can remember a couple plays against Kevin White from WVU last year when Likely was effective. As a whole, White dominated in the game, but Likely still shows capability against the big receiver. Likely should cover opposing team’s top guy at times, but his skillset if more likely to be on opposing receivers with more speed.

Chris Garman
Chris Garman

Chris Garman attended Mount St. Mary’s University where he studied in Communications. He is a native of Steelton, Pa. and has covered Maryland Men’s Basketball and Football for PressBox since 2012. Chris previously covered High School Football for The Patriot News in Harrisburg, Pa. He can be reached by email at: [email protected].

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