Image Credit: The Washington Post
This is the first in a series of articles documenting the Maryland Terrapins’ running back competition in 2013.
Final 2012 Statistics: 85 carries, 390 yards, 4.6 YPC, 1 TD; 3 catches, -1 yards, -0.3 YPC, 0 TDs
Brandon Ross entered camp in 2012 as the projected starter for the Terps. But injuries during camp and early in the season hindered his ability to grab that starting spot. Ross came to the Terps in 2011 and redshirted his first year. He was a 2-star recruit out of high school in Wilmington, DE. He chose Maryland over Army. But don’t be fooled by those low rankings. Brandon Ross has become a very good running back for the Terps.
Last season was definitely a coming out party for Ross. He played in most of the Terps’ games in 2012, and took over as the starter when Wes Brown went down with injury late in the season. He probably has the leg up on the starting job in 2013 due to Brown’s absence from spring camp while he recovers from that injury. Ross was the number one starter in spring camp, and shone in that role. In an offense that is based on running the football, Brandon Ross showed that he has the ability to carry the ball 20-30 times a game.
Last season, Ross was seen as more of a speed back than a power back. But he spent a lot of time in the weight room in the offseason, and has bulked up a lot. He showed throughout spring camp that he not only has the speed to get around the edge, but he now has the power to run through the offensive line and get extra yards with defenders draped all over him. This should really help him with his carries in 2013, as he is probably the best all-around running back on the roster.
Ross’ role on the 2013 Terps team will be a big one. He should get the majority of the carries this season unless Albert Reid or Wes Brown have breakout seasons as well. Having too many running backs is never a problem, especially when they are as talented as the Terps’ group is. I could see Mike Locksley using Brandon Ross on 1st and 2nd down, and substituting Wes Brown on short-yardage situations or Albert Reid on pass-catching situations on 3rd and/or 4th down. While Ross could probably be an every-down back, that system would keep all 3 backs fresh, while also utilizing them to their strengths.
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: zack.kiesel@baltimoresportsandlife.com.