Just as was the case last season, the linebacker position will be one of strength for the Terrapins. Despite the loss of Keandre Jones on the outside, the team returns a solid group of both experienced pass rushers and talented young players. Their development, combined with the play of the defensive backs, will determine how exotic and aggressive defensive coordinator Jon Hoke can be with his blitzes.
This is the eighth in a series of articles previewing Maryland football’s 2020 season on a position-by-position basis. Be sure to check in regularly, and give your thoughts on my projections at the link below.
(Discuss this article at the BSL Message Board here.)
Shaq Smith (Redshirt Senior)
2020 Projection: Starter (Strong-Side)
2019 Statistics: 24 tackles (3.5 for loss), 1.0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles
Smith surprised the college football world last year when he transferred to Maryland before the season began. An expected starter at Clemson, he returned to his hometown school and played in all but one of the team’s games. Despite playing most of his time at outside linebacker he finished second on the team in pass breakups, showcasing his versatility. He returns for his final season in College Park as one of the defense’s strongest leaders.
I’ve projected Smith to serve as the team’s starting strong-side linebacker in 2020. There’s been some talk about him moving inside, but it’s hard to see how that would happen with Ayinde Eley, Chance Campbell, and Ruben Hyppolite II already taking up snaps there.
Durell Nchami (Redshirt Sophomore)
2020 Projection: Starter (Weak-Side)
2019 Statistics: Did Not Play
Nchami was poised for a breakout year in 2019 before suffering a season-ending injury during spring camp. He’ll return as the clear starter at the weak-side linebacker position and as Hoke’s best pass rusher. Jones posted very impressive numbers at this spot last season, and the coaching staff will be hoping for a similar performance from Nchami.
I’ve projected Nchami to serve as the team’s starting weak-side linebacker in 2020. He and Smith will be excellent bookends to Hoke’s defensive front.
Ahmad McCullough (Redshirt Sophomore)
2020 Projection: Second-Team (Strong-Side)
2019 Statistics: None
McCullough has seen action in four games during his first two seasons in College Park after joining the team as a 3-star recruit in 2018. He spent one season at Hutchinson Community College before committing to Maryland, playing his high school football at Mount Saint Joseph High School in Baltimore.
I’ve projected McCullough to serve as Smith’s primary backup at strong-side linebacker in 2020, though he’ll likely be challenged for the job by Kameron Blount.
Deshawn Holt (Redshirt Freshman)
2020 Projection: Second-Team (Weak-Side)
2019 Statistics: 2 tackles (0.0 for loss), 0.0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles
Holt saw action in two games during his freshman season and was able to redshirt. He came to College Park as a 3-star recruit from Westlake High School in Waldorf, MD, choosing the Terrapins over offers from Bowling Green, Rutgers, Temple, and Toledo, among others.
I’ve projected Holt to serve as Nchami’s primary backup at weak-side linebacker in 2020, though he’ll likely be challenged for the job by Frankie Burgess.
Kameron Blount (Redshirt Freshman)
2020 Projection: Third-Team (Strong-Side)
2019 Statistics: None
Blount saw action in two games during his freshman season and was able to redshirt. He came to College Park as a 3-star recruit from St. Charles High School in Waldorf, MD, choosing the Terrapins over offers from Indiana, North Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Rutgers, among others.
I’ve projected Blount to serve as the team’s third-string strong-side linebacker in 2020, though he’ll have every chance to win the second-string job during summer camp.
Frankie Burgess (Freshman)
2020 Projection: Third-Team (Weak-Side)
2019 Statistics (High School): 60 tackles (4.0 for loss), 22.0 sacks, 3 forced fumbles
Burgess comes to College Park as a 3-star recruit from Pahokee High School in Pahokee, FL. He chose the Terrapins over offers from Florida Atlantic, Florida International, South Florida, and Washington State, among others.
I’ve projected Burgess to serve as the team’s third-string weak-side linebacker in 2020, but he has a ton of upside and may very well find his way onto the two-deep sooner rather than later.
David Brownlee (Junior)
2020 Projection: Fourth-Team (Strong-Side)
2019 Statistics: None
Brownlee walked onto the team before the 2018 season and saw his first game action in three games last year. He played his high school football at Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, MD.
I’ve projected Brownlee to serve as the team’s fourth-string strong-side linebacker in 2020.
Jacob Purcell (Sophomore)
2020 Projection: Fourth-Team (Weak-Side)
2019 Statistics: 1 tackle (1.0 for loss), 0.0 sacks, 0 forced fumbles
Purcell joined the team as a walk-on last season and recorded a tackle for loss in Maryland’s first game against Howard. He played his high school football at Northern High School in Owings, MD.
I’ve projected Purcell to serve as the team’s fourth-string weak-side linebacker in 2020.
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.