Maryland Hiring Brian Stewart as Defensive Coordinator?
by Ben Broman on Jan 16, 2012 1:47 PM EST
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Well, that's a little unexpected.
@BTNTomDienhart
Tom Dienhart I have confirmed that Brian Stewart will be named DC at Maryland. He held the same post at Houston.
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Terrapins Insider has the confirmation. I'll have more on Stewart when he's officially announced, but until then: he was at Houston the past two seasons as their defensive coordinator, before which he spent two years as the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Legitimate, high-level NFL experience is a very good thing, both in recruiting and coaching.
Not sure where the connection to Edsall is, if there is, and I certainly don't see any connection to Maryland. It looks like an "identify a good candidate and hire said candidate" type of search, which isn't a bad thing; we saw how the connections game plays when we were saddled with Gary Crowton and Todd Bradford.
Houston was very good defensively last season, especially given that they play in the Conference of A Thousand Spread Offenses. They weren't very good the year before, but that's standard practice with many coordinators. (And not a great short-term sign, but what can you do?) His defenses at Dallas were both in the top-10 in total defense in his two years there, but he got the boot after two years as a scapegoat of sorts.
The really interesting thing here: he runs the 3-4. At first I thought it might just be because he was under Wade Phillips at Dallas, but no: he took it with him to Houston, too. So ... that's interesting, huh?
More on the way, but the best part about this: a few days ago, West Virginia was telling its recruits that Stewart was the new defensive coordinator. He was largely WVU fans' top choice for the DC spot. Trolling hard on WVU fans? I like him already.
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hahaha
yeah, the WV fans were definitely expecting him to be their new DC, as I just found out by going to one of their blogs.
I know we aren't getting him as a recruiter
But spending 4 years in the state of Texas can’t hurt, right?
That, and
the fact he was an NFL DC for the cowgirls (‘Skins fan in me coming out) and a special asst. to the defense for the Eagles. He’s got legit NFL experience and that should garner some attention from recruits.
i thought they were a shootout team
in a lesser conference. how do they have a good DC?
Lets gooo Maryland
We used to have a RB coach with an average team
and now hes the head coach at PSU.
by Maryland1206 on Jan 16, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions
A.J. Francis Tweeted a couple times about it...
Seems pretty legit if the team is welcoming him. Francis seems pretty excited too given the tweets.
by First and Jen on Jan 16, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
3-4 defense
if stewart comes in with a 3-4 defense, how does that affect moving kenny tate back to safety where we all know he should be?
its seems to me now we would need that extra LB. hopefully he gets moved back to safety anyways
This is more along the lines of
We have A TON of young LB’s either already on campus, or coming next season so we should try to get as many of them on the field at once.
Yep
Idk if Stewart runs a 1 gap 3-4 (Wade Phillips) or a 2-gap 3-4 (Dick LeBeau). Hopefully they move Tate back to safety and Stewart uses him like LeBeau uses Polamalu.
I can't imagine he'd do a two-gap 3-4 at this level
Especially given that he came up under Phillips, I’d say it’s a safe bet he’d do a 1-gap almost all of the time.
Me either. You’d have to have to be bringing in two or three huge 4-5 star DL to try to run that system here. I do love the idea of Kenny running around like Troy on instinct though.
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by John Stephens on Jan 16, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Now that I think about it
you’re right. Is our D-line big enough to run a 3-4?
Your opinion
Do you think the 3-4 will hurt or help Vellano? And it seemed to me like the strength of the defense was the line. Won’t putting an extra backer out there negate that? The young linebackers looked good at times last year, but the line was good all year long I thought.
Hmmm
It’s tough to tell. He, like Monroe, was really a perfect fit for the traditional 4-3 DT, especially as a pairing. I don’t think he’s a great fit for the 3-4 and it’d be better if he was still in the 4-3, but he’s not an awful fit either. I could see him doing well, though ultimately not quite as well as before.
Guessing this is a long-term move anyway, focusing on winning in two or three years instead of next season.
I was thinking that, but I'm still a little shocked
Edsall is taking this risk coming off a 2-10 season? Guys will have to learn a whole new scheme in the Spring and Fall instead of working with the one they already know. Which will no doubt put them behind. If that happens, and the team starts badly again, will Kevin Anderson wait for the end of the season before he ends the Edsall experiment? I think it’s a really risky move on Edsall’s part making a long term move when he doesn’t have much rope. Can’t see Edsall staying in College Park for a 3rd year if his team doesn’t finish at at least .500 this Fall
Like it or not
Edsall is here for at least another 2-3 years until his buyout becomes affordable. Besides, two brand new coordinators buys him at least two years to install the systems they are going to use. Locksley is having a huge impact in terms of recruiting so far it seems, so I think we will be OK in the next 2-3 years.
as far as the LBs for a 3-4, we have a ton of LBs on the roster if you include the current recruiting class so we will be set there, allowing Tate to move back to Safety. While no one has mentioned it yet, it would seem stupid to keep that experiment up with all of the depth coming in at the position. Monroe and Vellano don’t fit a 3-4, but Vellano is more able to play the 3-4 than Monroe would be. If we are able to land DJ Reader and Koren Kirven (wishful thinking) then we land two pieces of the 3 DL.
I don't have a problem with Edsall
I just think it’s a bold move starting over when you’re already 1 year in, and that year was as bad as it could get. I know things are hard on Maryland financially right now, but if Edsall follows last year’s 2-10 season with another losing season, things will start to fall apart. But if Edsall felt like he had to make moves, it makes sense to have made it early like he did. Definitely looking forward to Spring practice
we have a legit 7-8 linebackers coming next year
while a few of them can play other positions, this, plus the experience gained by the backups from this year who were forced into action, should move Tate back to safety
From WVU's blog
Most recently Houston Cougars Defensive Coordinator
Resigned from Houston last week to “pursue other opportunities”
Defensive Coordinator with Dallas in 2007-2008
Other previous stints in NFL with Philadelphia and San Diego
Previous college coaching stints with Syracuse, Missouri, San Jose State, Northern Arizona and Cal Poly
Employs a 3-4 scheme at Houston, which would be the likely switch at WVU
Houston’s defense improved from 96th in 2010 to 40th in 2011
Houston’s Red-Zone defense second only to Alabama in 2011 and also ranked 7th in turnover margin
Another highly regarded recruiter
Houston's 2011 D
Was ranked 62nd in overall D. Not 40th.
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 16, 2012 2:18 PM EST up reply actions
Also
Highly regarded recruiter, actually he only brought in one 3 star recruit last year, not so highly regarded.
Also Turnover Margin deals with how much the offense turns it over as well. Considering Case Kennum only had like 7 INT’s this year, the turnover margin should be pretty stout.
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 16, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Not impressed at all
I thought Maryland would have learned by now, but apparently not. Stewart is not that “sexy” of a hire. He coached a defense under Wade Phillips and that in its self should take away some creditablility that Stewart actually ran the defense considering what Wade Phillips has been known for in his career.
Houston’s defense has been mediocre at best since Stewart has been in control. This guy seems to be another KA misfire, please don’t give him 3 years guranteed at $10 million per.
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 16, 2012 2:19 PM EST reply actions
Additionally
One would think that a Sumlin would have taken him to A&M if he is really that good, this just seems like a giant red flag to me. At least Bradford is gone.
Replace
One shitty DC with another shitty DC hardly seems like a fair trade off. KA is a fucking moron and has no clue what to look for in a coach, let alone a Coordinator for football.
Seriously not impressed and now all of my hate is going to KA and off of Edsall.
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 16, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
This
Shannon and LJSR obviously didn’t want to come here, so you are forced to go to a plan C. Quality DC’s don’t just grow on trees. I will withhold criticism on Stewart until he’s at least had a chance.
Anyway, my dream scenario is that Ray Lewis retires and joins the UMD staff, working his way up to DC in about 3-4 years.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 2:36 PM EST up reply actions
Money
Considering Maryland is offering some pretty stout contracts financially, I would have to imagine that most coordinators are open to hearing Maryland out. Also, there is a thing called prospecting a coach, in which you take a coach that may not be a DC now, like a position coach and give them a promotion and more money. Just saying, Maryland is a pretty attractive place.
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 17, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
Different than Bradford
Bradford’s D was ranked like 96th or something at Southern Miss. Keep in mind that his Defense was on the field a great deal having the Houston Offense scoring in 2 plays. Houson was ranked at 114th at TOP and he still had an impressive unit that was 2nd in the country in Red Zone defense and forced a lot of turnovers.
If you remember Don Brown’s defense, we were succesful because we forced turnovers and played great in the red zone. I personally like the hire.
As far as recruiting goes, recruiting someone to play at Houston in CUSA is different then th ACC, so don’t judge on the number of 3 stars, but rather the number of players he was the lead recruiter on.
by Terrapin Insider on Jan 16, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
This is a ridiculously negative view of this hire.
It’s Houston. They never hold onto the ball and they don’t have any defensive talent. And last year they were still 40th in scoring defense. And they guy has NFL experience.
You can complain about the hire I guess but to compare him to Bradford, a former offensive coordinator who failed upwards, is pretty radical.
Absolutely
Houston is going to allow more points simply because the amount of possessions. Scoring defense is not a very good metric for this reason.
If I'm a defensive recruit considering Maryland,
I would certainly be interested in being coached by a former NFL coach. I can’t think of a single reason any recruit would consider that a negative.
Bradford
Your acting like I agreed with KA on replacing Brown with Bradford. Hell no. KA has proven he does not know much about hiring coaches. Yes, he got Turgeon after he swung and missed on his top 5. Turgeon is like Tom Brady, the Patriots didnt gamble by drafting him in the 7th round, they got lucky. I consider Turgeon as a 6th round pick for a coach, but he might be the best coach out of the bunch.
Time will tell, but as someone mentioned before if Stewart was so good, then why didnt Sumlin take him with him to A&M? Also if he could recruit why didnt Sumlin take him to A&M?
by El Goodd Terps13 on Jan 17, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
regarding Wade Phillips
if he was the defensive coordinator under wade phillips for two years, and his defense was ranked top 10 both years, i’ll take him. I’m a skins fan and I can’t stand the cowboys, but you can’t deny the experience he got under Phillips. Think Phillips isn’t a good defensive coordinator? Check out what he did with the Texans this year.
Don’t get so down on him because he isn’t a sexy hire, there is only one way for coordinators to establish themselves and that is to get hired. He is a secondary guy as well, so he’ll see Tates talent and move him back to safety one would think.
Agreed.
Wade Phillips is one hell of defensive coach, going back to his days with the Broncos. Just doesn’t have the make-up for a successful HC. As a Cowboys fan, I was happy to see Wade get fired(a year too late, imo), but you have to factor the Jerry Jones effect into his record.
Glad to see Wade earn his good reputation back with Houston this year, he’s a good dude.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
If you follow Francis on twitter
(and why wouldn’t you, dude is fun.)
He said that the switch to the 3-4 isn’t going to be a big deal for the dline.
Personally I think you move Vellano and Monroe to the ends where their size makes them fantastically suited for the job. Francis can be your prototypical nose tackle.
But with the need for more linebackers does this mean we can make a late push for Jazzmarr Claxton?
No idea if he’s any good, love the name.
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by RedTurtle on Jan 16, 2012 2:21 PM EST via mobile reply actions
If we don't have the personnel to run the 3-4 effectively
(as per the Darby fanpost) and we force it, doesn’t that go against Edsall’s alleged philosophy of getting the best players on the field? That’s the whole reason we switched Tate and the others, right?
Tate
Anybody ever find out what the real story was on Tate switching? He’s a SAFETY – he was nearly invisible as an LB.
Never been verified, but apparently hurt himself off the field before the season, and lost a step.
Which is why he was put at LB.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions
They moved him to LB during spring 2011 FB, prior to the season
The injury thing was clearly a smokescreen to deflect the criticism of the move. IF he was injured and playing, shame on the coaching staff. They should be able to tell if a player has lost a step, and send him over for medical diagnosis immediately. Its called being accountable.
Again, I have seen nothing to verify this one way or the other.
So your guess is as good as mine. Ben, have you heard anything definitive on the Tate situation?
by 1 proud terp on Jan 17, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
The real story is
Randy Edsall or Bradford identified a bad choice and made it.
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by RedTurtle on Jan 16, 2012 2:39 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Edsall puts the best players on the field?
See DJ Adams.
Now that we’re past that, I don’t think we are in a bad situation for the 3-4. We just recruited a ton of LBs, both inside and outside, so between this class and the freshman from last year we have a decent 2 deep at the position. On the defensive line, I discussed this in another thread where if we landed Reader and Kirven in this class (we are in both top 3/4), then we would have our NT and one DE. Monroe sort of gets lost in this because he is so small, but not everyone fits it. Braglio could play the other DE spot in a few years, but as of right now if you take his official weight into account he is small for the other DE spot.
In the secondary, we have corners, and moving Tate back to safety would give us a ball-hawk for a FS. we have other safety depth as well from this year so we would be OK there. The 3-4 always takes a few years to put into place, especially depending on the personnel you have, but MD isn’t that far off from it.
3-4 Defense
You would think that Vellano and Monroe would move to the outside DT positions. The biggest concern for me is the outside pass rush. Who do we have at LB that is coming off the edge as a pass rusher in a 3-4 defense?
by Brendan Plutschak on Jan 16, 2012 2:23 PM EST reply actions
Monroe and a 3-4
He would get lost in the 3-4 transition. He is 5’11", and that is wayyy to small for a 3-4 end. A 3-4 end is the size of a prototypical 4-3 DT, which Monroe is not. Vellano could man a DE position in a 3-4, but I don’t think Monroe could do it. He isn’t a NT either, not big enough.
And I can't see Monroe or Vellano covering any RB or TE in the flat.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Well, they wouldn't need to do that as a 3-4 end
You’re thinking of 3-4 ’backers, which is probably someone like Isaiah Ross.
Amen on the $
Hope that we didn’t break the already empty bank to get him – as Anderson seems to routinely do. But he CAN’T be any worse than Bradford, can he? And his NFL experience should be attractive to potential recruits…
Goldman
This probably about does it for our chances at Goldman. Most D Tackles are very opposed to playing in a 3-4. Our chances were pretty low anyways so I am not too upset about it.
Don't
compare Goldman to Haynesworth-less. That’s an insult to Goldman
He was worthless after coming here to the skins. but really who doesnt become worthless after that?
Cerratto(spell it right?) sucked, so happy he’s gone
by Maryland1206 on Jan 16, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
Amen to that
and yes, you spelled it right lol. I still can’t believe that some ESPN shows brought him on as an NFL exec. mind to speak on certain subjects. Did they not see he and Snyder ran a once proud franchise into the ground? Who would respect his football opinion?
Alabama
runs a 3-4 and they’re in his final 4.
well Alabama is Alabama
He will get exposure there no matter what. If he came here and played in the 3-4 it would be very tough to put up numbers. Although if he is as advertised I guess scouts would still grade him highly. I don’t know for sure, but I think that the 3-4 probably scares away some prospects.
by tmoneyttime1 on Jan 16, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
If he's as good as advertised
we could put him at nose tackle and use him like Dallas uses Ratliff.
I'm a cowboys fan, and I hate the 3-4. I know it's suited perfectly for D Ware
but it’s never worked for us. We never get enough pressure on the QB. Also, Ratliff is rumored to be moving out of nose tackle spot, over to DE to take advantage of his speed. He takes a severe beating at NT, played injured coming down the stretch.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
I'm a 'Skins fan and i have no problem with the 3-4
It’s alot less predictable than the 4-3 and you get more athleticism and speed on defense. About Ratliff, I was reffering to when Phillips was running the defense and they relied on Ratliff getting penetration.
I wouldn't have a problem with the 3-4 either, if I had Orakpo and Kerrigan.
Demarcus Ware is a stud, but with no help from the other side(A. Spencer =garbage), an offense can still operate at will most of the time. I was a big fan of the “idea” of a 3-4 when Wade first implemented it. But after waiting many years for results(see playoff record, or lack thereof), I want to see a nasty front 4, to put the QB on the ground. Gimmicky defenses seem to have a short lifespan.
That said, I think the 3-4 could work at Maryland. I will hold fire until I see how Stewart does next year. At the very least, he’ll be an upgrade from Bradford.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 3:12 PM EST up reply actions
3-4 a gimmick?
The 3-4 is not a gimmick, half the NFL uses it. It plays to the strength of our recruiting class, and any real football fan knows it generally takes at least 2 years in the NFL to get the proper personnel for a 3-4, let alone in college where you need to recruit for it.
3-4 is a gimmick for an old school, smash-mouth NFC East fan such as myself.
I know half the NFL uses it… and you see the numbers most offenses are putting up these days? Brees is breaking Marino records, Brady is shredding all comers, Rodgers lit up the place. I think an emphasis has been placed on blitz packages, instead of relying on a diesel front 4 taking care of business. Today’s QB’s can read a blitz a mile away, and hit the hot receiver every time. Also, in a college situation, the 3-4 is more complicated to begin with, making it tougher to succeed when you only have a 4 year window to teach it.
I’m not gonna hate B. Stewart because he uses a 3-4, I just prefer the 4-3.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
the fact is that with 3 D-linemen and 4 LBs, you can still just rush 4 if you want but get deception with your 4th rusher. You can confuse the offensive line without depleting your coverage
holyschwartz.wordpress.com
In theory, I agree.
But to me the 3-4 is “soft”. Like I’ve said, I’m a Cowboys fan who’s seen Phillips/Stewart’s defense, and I’ve yet to feel we have a “dominant” defense. Rob Ryan’s version was even worse. So, I am a little biased against the 3-4 at the moment.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 7:03 PM EST up reply actions
3-4 been around since Bud Wilkinson at Oklahoma in the 40s and 50s
and in the NFL since Chuck Fairbanks. Hardly a gimmick The passing numbers are up because the rules favor the passing game. Emphasis on pass rush is to try and counter the edge the rules give the passer/receivers.
by Lucky Horseshoe on Jan 16, 2012 7:42 PM EST up reply actions
3-4 with the right guys is my preference. but it all depends on who ya got
by Maryland1206 on Jan 16, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
this
you need to recruit the right guys for the 3-4..D Ends and Nose Tackles will have to eat up blockers while OLBs will have to be able to get to the QB and drop back in coverage
by tmoneyttime1 on Jan 16, 2012 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Goldman and a 3-4
He could play either the DT or DE position in a 3-4
about the 3-4
it could be fine considering we have so many linebackers with some experience and a ton coming in from recruiting
I was thinking the same thing
Arent all of our top defensive players (incoming) LBs? I think that this might be a good move. More speed on the field and play to our strengths. Plus this moves Tate back to safety for sure.
by Charlotte NC Terp on Jan 16, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
at least someone else sees it
we are fine at LB for a 3-4, and it actually plays to the strength of our recruits. It also moves Tate back to safety, because the OLB in the 3-4 is more of a hybrid DE/LB so those are not his strengths.
Defensive line wouldn’t be so terrible depending on the outcome of Kirven and Reader. Reader is the size of a NT, and Kirven is a great size for a 3-4 DE
I like the hire
outside of Randy Shannon, I dont know if any of the candidates were going to wow the fan base. We needed to make a decision so we would have a name to sell with some of these defensive seniors we are recruiting. Now we have that. Hit the trail and lets see what happens.
Does Houston have any players we could poach?
by Charlotte NC Terp on Jan 16, 2012 2:32 PM EST reply actions
agreed.
We have to realize who we are and that RS was out of our reach, and can’t act like little children who didn’t get what they wanted for christmas.
I love poaching the Houston area.
Harrisons….
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 3:15 PM EST up reply actions
How could anyone consider this a disappointing hire? The guy has NFL experience. For most top recruits, they’re looking to get some playing time, show off their skills, and prepare for the NFL. Having a coordinator that has both been there and been successful there is a huge positive in landing these recruits. We already have a top local recruiter in Locksley. If you give a great salesman a great product to sell, he’ll make you a ton of bank.
holyschwartz.wordpress.com
This looks like a good hire
Best news in a long time for this program. With apologies to Locks fans, getting a solid COACH into the program is a good move.
getting a solid recruiter was a bigger deal
by Maryland1206 on Jan 16, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Real happy bout the hire
We got a guy with a good rep and experience. Dont want to go here really but the fact he is black in this area does help. All I can say is we got a professional coach, coaching the defense. SOunds good to me
Great hire
I wanted Bradley but the more I looked into this I think hiring Stewart is great!
I'm glad we didn't go with Bradley.
Didn’t want any connection with PSU to be used against us in recruiting.
by 1 proud terp on Jan 16, 2012 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
Good hire
This hire and the Locksley hire show that they are going out of their way to get coordinators the players can relate to. It’s one thing to have a disciplinarian for a HC who the players may have a hard time relating to, but if your coordinators can help bridge that gap a little bit it can go along way towards bringing this team together as a unit.
I think both the Locksley and Stewart hires are sending a message to Edsall- close the gap between your staff and the players and make this a true “team” (not you vs. them) or else you are gone.
Great Hire
Great hire for Terps. Hell, he held Penn State in total check; that’s more than any MD DC has done since 1961. There was no way in hell Randy Shannon was coming to MD-expect that he will be a defensive position coach in the NFL. So Stewart is a great hire; looking forward to a 3-4 defense. MD has alot more talent right now at LB position so this should be a great fit.
We also need to remember
that it is hard to defend when your offense scores every 20 seconds. Even thought they were winning all their games, that defense had to be on the field a lot.
I like the hire because he will be relatable to the players. good solid hire.
Grunching
But if WVU had all but announced him as their new D coordinator, I’m pretty ecstatic about the hire. I’m much more in-tune with UMD bball, but this can only mean good things for football.
Before
we go through all this angst about how personnel fits, can anyone tell us what flavor of 3-4 Stewart runs? A zone blitz scheme might see tate blow up back at safety but a Pats style 3-4 might not, Did he take the Cowboys one gap 3-4 to Houston? Or do we need two gap linemen like Steelers?
by Lucky Horseshoe on Jan 16, 2012 4:39 PM EST reply actions
This was mentioned above, but I can't conceive of any situation in which a collegiate DC would run a two-gap 3-4
Especially if you’re not Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, Michigan, etc. There are maybe five or six programs that could get away with that. We’re never going to have the size to try to do that.
Besides, he’s a Phillips disciple and Phillips runs a one-gap.
All I’ve been able to surmise so far is that the base look is probably going to be a one-gap 3-4 with an emphasis on aggression and speed. Of course, that’s what every coach says, but whatever. Past that, I assume it’ll look a lot like what Phillips did at Dallas and what he’s doing now at Houston.
Looks Like I got lucky for once
See my post on Dave Tucker’s 1/13 fan shot about Bradford. The Stewart rumor was strong then. Glad to see we got this done while he still has a couple of weeks to hit the ground on recruiting. Does he have anyone good who’s verbaled to UH who might reconsider now?
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