Much like their offense, Maryland’s defense has improved in every year since head coach Michael Locksley took over before the 2019 season. 2022 however, saw the biggest improvements across the board. They allowed just 23 points per game, and allowed 66 fewer total yards than they had in 2021. With just five returning starters in 2023, defensive coordinator Brian Williams will be challenged to replicate the successes of last season.
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The Coaching Staff
Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Line Coach: Brian Williams
Special Teams Coordinator/Outside Linebackers Coach: James Thomas, Jr.
Inside Linebackers Coach: Lance Thompson
Cornerbacks Coach: Henry Baker
Safeties Coach: Zac Spavital
Maryland’s defensive coaching staff remains largely intact from last season, with the only departure coming in the form of Wes Neighbors, who left to join Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff at Ole Miss. In his place, Locksley hired former Texas State defensive coordinator Zac Spavital. He brings 18 years of defensive coaching experience with him to College Park, with stops at Oklahoma, Houston, Texas Tech, and Texas State. He was a nominee for the Broyles Award last season for his efforts in San Marcos.
The Defense
Schematically, not much has changed for Maryland’s defense since Locksley’s arrival. Whether it’s been Jon Hoke, Brian Stewart, or Williams calling the plays, it’s remained an odd-front system built on a diverse pressure package and aggressive secondary play. They’ll rotate between a number of different man and zone coverages depending on their opponent and the personnel available. At times it’s become more of a “bend, but don’t break” scheme, particularly against the best teams in the conference.
Williams will be forced to replace his entire starting defensive line from last season, as Ami Finau, Mosiah Nasili-Kite, and Durell Nchami have all graduated from the program. The team will be relying on a number of less experienced players to step into their roles in 2023, with Tommy Akingbesote, Quashon Fuller, Taizse Johnson, and Christian Teague all likely to be part of the rotation along the defensive line. Locksley also added Jordan Phillips (Tennessee) through the transfer portal, who has a chance to play a major role.
Outside linebackers Greg China-Rose and Vandarius Cowan have also both graduated from the program, leaving big shoes to fill as the team’s primary pass rushers. Locksley focused on these positions in the team’s 2023 recruiting class, flipping blue-chip prospect Neeo Avery from Ole Miss and landing both Dylan Gooden and Dillan Fontus. They’ll join a handful of younger players such as Riyad Wilmot and Kellan Wyatt, and Saint Francis (PA) transfer Donnell Brown in what’ll likely be a deep rotation of players at both positions.
While the safety position is very solid with returning starters Beau Brade and Dante Trader, Jr., there will be a few new faces at cornerback behind Tarheeb Still this season. Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett have both graduated from the program, but expect Cincinnati transfer Ja’Quan Sheppard to receive the first crack at the primary outside cornerback job. With Still having the ability to play both outside or inside at the nickel, there could be a number of different options for Williams depending on the situation at hand. Corey Coley, Jr., Gavin Gibson, Kevis Thomas, and Lionell Whitaker could all play roles in the secondary as the season progresses.
By far the strongest position for the Terrapins this season will be at inside linebacker. Jaishawn Barham, Fa’Najae Gotay, and Ruben Hyppolite II all return after combining for 119 tackles in 2022 despite the latter two missing multiple games due to injuries. Barham led the team with 6.5 tackles for loss as a true freshman, and tied for the team lead with 4 sacks. With some questions at both outside linebacker spots and the depth that exists inside, it’s possible we’ll see Barham play there more often than he did a year ago.
The Projected Depth Chart
DE: 1. Quashon Fuller, 2. Dillan Fontus OR Christian Teague
NT: 1. Taizse Johnson, 2. Tre Colbert
DT: 1. Tommy Akingbesote, 2. Isaac Bunyun OR Jordan Phillips
SAM: 1. Kellan Wyatt, 2. Dylan Gooden OR DJ Samuels
MIKE: 1. Jaishawn Barham, 2. Fa’Najae Gotay
WILL: 1. Ruben Hyppolite II, 2. Caleb Wheatland
JACK: 1. Riyad Wilmot, 2. Neeo Avery OR Donnell Brown
CB: 1. Ja’Quan Sheppard, 2. Corey Coley, Jr.
FS: 1. Dante Trader, Jr., 2. Avantae Williams
SS: 1. Beau Brade, 2. Glendon Miller
CB: 1. Tarheeb Still, 2. Gavin Gibson OR Lionell Whitaker
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.