Chandler Burkett should be a quality backup for Maryland football in 2016

Maryland football starts its season in 50 days. Until then, we’re profiling every player on the roster.

Chandler Burkett, defensive end

Height: 6’3

Weight: 240 pounds

Year: Redshirt junior

High School: Bozeman HS (Panama City, Fla.)

Jersey No.: 92

How he got to College Park

Burkett initially committed to Florida International, but flipped to Maryland after an official visit in January of 2013. The three-star recruit was ranked the No. 76 weak-side defensive end in the class of 2013 and the No. 247 player in Florida, per the 247Sports Composite.

He redshirted his first season at Maryland and only appeared in one game in 2014. Last season he played in eight games in his first year switching from 3-4 linebacker to 4-3 defensive end, finishing the season with seven tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. He’s primed to be an important backup for the Terps in 2016.

A career highlight

Making five tackles against Ohio State in 2015.

2016 prospectus

Burkett should be Roman Braglio and Jesse Aniebonam’s top backup at defensive end. This means he’ll get plenty of snaps every game, which suits his role perfectly. At 240 pounds, he might not be big enough to fight in the trenches on every play, but he could still be an effective pass-rusher.

What a dream season would look like

Burkett emerges as the team’s top backup defensive end, spelling Braglio and Aniebonam for long stretches and helping replace some of the production lost by Yannick Ngakoue’s leap to the NFL.

Next in the series

Our next subject is the top-rated receiver in Maryland’s 2016 recruiting class.

Standings

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