Mbi Tanyi transitions into a crowded defensive line in 2017

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the offensive line; this week, we’re flipping sides of the ball and looking at the defensive line.

Mbi Tanyi, DL, No. 50

Height: 6’1
Weight: 305 pounds
Year: Junior
Hometown: Houston, Texas
High School: George Bush High School

How he got to College Park

Maryland recruited Tanyi in its 2015 class, when he was a three-star defensive end. After entering the 2016 season as a linebacker, Tanyi will be playing this season as a full-time defensive lineman up 25 pounds from last season.

In his first two seasons, Tanyi has totaled 13 tackles in 16 games after recording 26 in his senior year of high school.

Career highlight

Tanyi’s career high for tackles in a game is three against Indiana last season. In high school, Tanyi was reliable as both an offensive lineman and a linebacker.

2017 prospectus

Tanyi has an uphill battle to earn playing time on a crowded defensive line depth chart for Maryland. With players like Cavon Walker and Kingsley Opara already having earned their role on the team, Tanyi needs to catch the eyes of the coaching staff to have a chance to play consistently. Additionally, with this year being Tanyi’s first as a full-time defensive lineman, he’ll have to face many obstacles this season.

Dream season

Tanyi successfully transitions from linebacker, proving he can play with his weight over 300 pounds. He is gradually moved into a rotational role, getting consistent playing time in every game this season, and setting himself up well for a big senior season in 2018.

Up next

Another 2015 recruit, but he’s from much closer to College Park.

Murderlandboy, say_al and Scaletta each have two this week. Terpluvian, ziowa9 and jarem have one.