Image Credit: 247Sports

After previewing the Terps’ offense in 2013 a few weeks ago, now it’s time to take a look at what Maryland’s defense will look like in 2013. Defensive Coordinator Brian Stewart (pictured above) sparked new life into the Terrapins’ defense in 2012, and it was one of the best in the country for most of the season. Defense was the reason that the Terps were able to have close games against the likes of West Virginia and N.C. State, and the reason they won games against Wake Forest and Virginia. While the defense was riddled with injuries late in the season, the first portion of the year was a huge step up defensively from a horrible 2011.

Brian Stewart brought back the 3-4 defense to Maryland after the Terps moved to a 4-3 defense under Todd Bradford in 2011. He brings high-quality NFL coaching experience to the Maryland coaching staff, and also led a very successful Houston Cougars defense at the college ranks. His defense was very aggressive last season, and well-disciplined. Unfortunately, he will be losing a lot of key players from that defense in 2013, especially on the defensive line and among the linebackers.

5 of Maryland’s starting front 7 defensive players graduated in 2012, leaving only NT Darius Kilgo and ILB Cole Farrand for 2013. The defensive backfield loses only starting S Eric Franklin. The defensive line will be anchored by Kilgo at nose tackle next season. He will have to shoulder a lot of the load on that defensive line after losing workhorses Joe Vellano and A.J. Francis. Keith Bowers and Andre Monroe will take over Francis’ defensive end position in 2013, and both have starting experience due to various injuries. Vellano’s spot will be taken by Quinton Jefferson or Justin Anderson.

The Terps’ linebacking corps was very impressive last season. Seniors Kenneth Tate (a converted safety), Demetrius Hartsfield, and Darin Drakeford all played big roles in 2012. But Randy Edsall and his staff brought in a lot of linebackers in the Class of 2013, and have quality backups that will be replacing the seniors of 2012. Tate’s outside linebacker spot will be taken by another converted safety, Matt Robinson. Robinson played strong safety for the Terps in 2012, but is better suited for linebacker given his playing style and his build. The inside linebacker position will be manned by returning starter Cole Farrand, who will likely be joined by L.A. Goree, who also has starting experience. Also expect to see Shawn Petty (who is back playing LB) and Abner Logan get some playing time this season. The other outside linebacker position will most likely be manned by incoming 4-star recruit Yannick Ngakoue, the Terps’ biggest prize from National Signing Day.

The defensive backfield is returning a lot of key players, especially at cornerback. Due to Matt Robinson’s switch to linebacker, the Terps’ cornerbacks will be the same as 2012, but there will be all-new safeties in 2013. Dexter McDougle and Jeremiah Johnson will remain the starting cornerbacks for 2013, and expect Isaac Goins and incoming 4-star recruit Will Likely III to get some playing time as well. Likely enrolled in classes early at Maryland, and has greatly impressed coaches in spring camp. As for safety, Randy Edsall announced that Anthony Nixon and A.J. Hendy would combine to man one safety spot, and Sean Davis will take the other. All 3 have starting experience due to injuries last season, and they should be comfortable in their new spots in 2013.

2013 is a chance to see what Brian Stewart can do with a lot of new players at new positions. If he can succeed with this new group, he should get huge amounts of praise. Even though the defense might take a slight step back in 2013, the offense looks like it will take a big step forward. Overall, this defense is not bad. Most of the new players will have had starting experience, which is invaluable. It also looks as if there will be only one freshman forced to start (Ngakoue), which means most of the new starters are either sophomores or juniors. This defense is a talented bunch, and if they can play well as a team under Stewart’s system, they should have no problem succeeding in 2013.

Zack Kiesel
Zack Kiesel

Terps Analyst

Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: [email protected].

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