Maryland football enters 2017 with more questions than answers at linebacker

When Maryland football’s new coaching staff arrived in 2016, the Terps shifted to a defensive scheme that primarily used only two conventional linebackers. Most teams will put three or even four on the field, but Maryland moved to a 4-2-5 formation that included a BUCK, which is essentially a weak-side defensive end/linebacker hybrid.

This switch certainly didn’t help the Terps’ run defense, which finished next-to-last in the country in S&P+. Opposing backs had little trouble shuffling past the undersized defensive line, and when they did, Maryland would only have two at the next level. Starters Jermaine Carter Jr. and Shane Cockerille got plenty of chances and put up big numbers, receiving all-conference honorable mentions because of it, but there were plenty of times when Maryland needed even more from them.

Carter’s return for 2017 makes him the leader of a veteran defense; he’s been named to the Butkus Award watch list as one of the nation’s top linebackers. However, Cockerille’s last season is up in the air. He was ruled academically ineligible for Maryland’s bowl game against Boston College and hasn’t yet been reinstated. Even if that leaves just one spot to fill, Maryland’s in a much tougher spot.

Either Jalen or Antoine Brooks (they’re not related) has a golden chance to step up, as does Isaiah Davis, whose older brother Sean is coming off a strong rookie season in the NFL. Underwood and Brand enrolled at Maryland in January, so they could easily factor in (although Brand might see more time at BUCK). Even if Cockerille is ruled eligible, it’s unclear where he’ll be physically after not practicing with the team in the spring.

Having Carter makes everything easier, but with at least one regular starting spot and other rotational snaps up in the air, Maryland needs all the time it can use to sort everything out here.

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