Profiles in Terpage: Quinton Jefferson

Quinton Jefferson Junior, Defensive End, #99

Stats:

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 275lbs

Twitter: @Q_JEFF

Collegiate Stats: 47 tackles (19 solo, 7.5 for loss), 3 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 1 forced fumble

High School Stats (Senior Year): 80+ tackles, 16 sacks

247sports composite Ratings: 3 star, 23rd best player in Pennsylvania

Who Maryland beat: Iowa, Illinois, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Cincinnati and Boston College

High School: Woodland Hills (PA)

Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA

High School Highlights:

How'd He Get to College Park?

Defensive line coach Greg Gattuso; that's how Jefferson got to College Park. Gattuso is from Western Pennsylvania and knew about the reputation of Jefferson's high school in that part of the state. Not only were they typically one of the best teams in the region, they also produced some very talented defensive players, including Jason Taylor.

Jefferson didn't actually enroll at Maryland until 2012, after breaking his jaw and not playing as a freshman. In 2012, he was a backup to Maryland's solid defensive ends - Joe Vellano and A.J. Francis. 

After the departure of Francis and Vellano. Maryland had big holes to fill on their defensive line. Jefferson stepped right in and was immediately a contributor, starting all 13 games as a sophomore last season. His best game was probably Maryland's 37-0 shutout of rival West Virginia, in which he forced a fumble, recorded a sack and also had three tackles. But he also picked up his other two sacks in Maryland's overtime victory against Virginia Tech.

This season, he's locked down one of the defensive end positions in Maryland's 3-4 defensive scheme and should continue to be an anchor on their line as a junior in 2014.

Nickname:

"Q"

Career Highlight:

Stepping in as a sophomore and starting all 13 games for Maryland last year.

Dream Season:

Build off of 2013's success and be able to consistently get to the quarterback and help lead Maryland in sacks in their first B1G season.

2014 Prospectus:

Jefferson had some big shoes to fill last year and did a great job starting all 13 games as a sophomore. During his time in College Park, he's managed to go from 230 lbs up to 275, developing into a solid force on Maryland's defensive line that should continue to carry over into his junior year. Jefferson is expected to be an anchor in the Terps' 3-4 scheme, along with Andre Monroe on the other side and either Kilgo or Bowers in the middle at nose tackle.

Hopefully Jefferson will continue to improve because he'll likely be facing some tough offensive lines in the Big Ten this season. If he can, he should have a fantastic junior season for Maryland's defense.

Up Next:

Our next player shares the same name with one of Maryland's most famous seven foot tall basketball players, Mr. Skill + Power himself.

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Clickclack picks up #2.

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