Starting left tackle Mike Madaras leaves program

Maryland starting left tackle Mike Madaras has left the program, according to Terrapin Times, Rivals' Maryland site.

#Terps OL Mike Madaras has left the program

— Terrapin Times (@MDTerrapinTimes) October 29, 2013

David Madaras told me that his son has quit playing football for the time being to "figure out what he wants to do with his life."

— Don Markus (@sportsprof56) October 29, 2013

Statement from Mike Madaras via #Terps says, " I have realized that my heart is not in the game of football ... http://t.co/hzySUKAVCD

— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) October 29, 2013

So #Terps confirm that Mike Madaras, who says he "didn't share their passion for the game" is leaving the program.

— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) October 29, 2013

Mike Madaras' departure from Maryland is in no way disciplinary related, source says. He's withdrawing from Maryland too.

— Alex Prewitt (@alex_prewitt) October 29, 2013

A former four-star recruit out of Good Counsel, Madaras was a huge recruiting coup for the Terps. As a true freshman in 2012, he played in all twelve games, starting eight at left tackle. This season, he started each game at left tackle but struggled, getting called for multiple penalties and giving up some key sacks.

It's a huge blow for Maryland's offensive line, which had been the team's biggest problem as a unit. Madaras was expected to kick in to guard next season with multiple talented tackles coming into the program, and was expected to one of the Terrapins' leaders over the next two years.

The pain will be felt more this year than next year, when Jared Cohen, Larry Mazyck and Derwin Gray come into the program. Madaras's backup on the depth chart is junior Jake Wheeler, a former squad team player. A more likely move may be moving right guard Michael Dunn back out to tackle, or hoping that Nick Klemm is recovered from injury.