Profiles in Terpage: Damonte Dodd

Damonte Dodd, sophomore, forward, No. 35

Height: 6'11"

Weight: 245

Twitter: @TheRturnOf35

Collegiate Stats: 22 games (1 start), 0,7 points per game, 1.5 rebounds per game, 0.4 blocks per game.

Recruiting Ratings: 3 stars, #12 center, #124  player overall (following prep school)

Who did Maryland beat out? Dayton, Houston, Georgetown

High School: Queen Anne's County High School/Massanutten Military Academy

Hometown: Centerville, MD

How'd He Get to College Park?

Dodd was discovered by Mark Turgeon and his staff, at the time Scott Spinelli, on Maryland's Eastern shore, which isn't exactly known as being a hot bed for basketball talent. Dodd was originally set to join Maryland for the 2012-2013 season, but instead opted to do a year of prep school at Massanutten Military Academy, where he was able to further develop a lot of his basketball skills and face competition more similar to what he would face while playing for a school like Maryland.

When Damonte Dodd originally committed to Maryland, almost no one had heard of the Eastern shore native, who was dominating virtually every team he faced. Most believed that was due to a severe high advantage, but after making appearances in competitive AAU tournaments and doing very well in prep school, Dodd exploded onto the recruiting scene, where some were worried he could possibly jump ship from his commitment to Maryland.

Career Highlight:

He also had that awesome 3-block game against Abil/ene Christian.

Dream Season:

Starting for Maryland at center, becoming an elite rim protector and rebounder.

2014-2015 Prospectus:

Dodd very well could step in as Maryland's starting center this season. After the departures of Charles Mitchell and Shaq Cleare, Dodd is one of the few Maryland players on this year's roster who can really play at the five spot on the court. Last season, Dodd showed flashes of what Mark Turgeon and his staff saw in him in high school that led to him receiving a scholarship offer to play for the Terps.

Dodd certainly has the ability to score the basket, especially with put backs around the rim. But his biggest asset to Maryland this year will likely be as a rebounder and rim protector, the latter of which Maryland has sorely lacked since the departure of Alex Len. Dodd actually had the second best offensive rebounding percentage on the team last season, trailing just Charles Mitchell, according to kenpom.com. His block percentage of 5.9% led the team. Maryland is going to need Dodd to build on both of those skills this season, especially since Mitchell was arguably their best rebounder.

"Damonte Dodd's maybe one of our most improved players," Turgeon said in a recent Baltimore Sun story. "If the season starts tonight, Damonte would be our starting center. I feel that would be an upgrade from what we were last year at this time."

If Dodd can focus on both of those skills and not worry as much about being a primary scorer for the Terps, he should have a great impact on the new "Maryland Motion" offense they plan on running this season.

Dodd's biggest weakness last season was his fouls committed per 40 minutes. Last season, Dodd committed 6.5 fouls per 40 minutes. Only Varum Ram had a worse foul rate last season. Dodd has struggled at the free throw line, where he made just two of his 16 attempts. While that is a small sample size, he will definitely have to improve that percentage if he's going to start at center, where he'll be drawing a lot of contact from opposing players.

Up next:

He WILL LIKELY be one of the most important players for Maryland basketball this season.