Nick Underwood is trying to make the jump from junior college to Division I

Profiles in Terpage is back for 2017. Last week, we focused on the defensive line; this week, we’re taking a look at the linebackers.

Nick Underwood, LB, No. 42

Height: 6’0
Weight: 215 lbs.
Year: Redshirt sophomore
Hometown: Lake Oswego, Oregon
High school: Lake Oswego High School

How he got to College Park

Underwood committed to Air Force in 2015, but never played there. He transferred to Riverside Community College, where he finished with a team high 71 tackles last season.

He committed to Maryland a little more than two weeks after his season at Riverside ended, choosing the Terps over Washington State. Underwood was the No. 109 junior college player in the Class of 2017 and the No. 7 inside linebacker in the 247Sports Composite rankings.

2017 prospectus

From his highlight tape, Underwood looks just as comfortable blowing up plays in the backfield as he does dropping into pass coverage. He’ll have to get used to staying back on run plays, though, as the Terps’ 4-2-5 scheme means there will usually be only one other player lining up with him in the second level.

Maryland is pretty inexperienced at linebacker, so Underwood has a shot to see some playing time at the position this season. If not, someone with his tackling ability could definitely find a role on special teams.

Dream season

Underwood has a strong summer and carves out a role on Maryland’s defense. He plays well, putting himself in a good place heading into spring practice in 2018.

Up next

This redshirt junior is one of two players from St. Frances on Maryland’s roster.

say_al holds the lead with two. Denton5, Scaletta, jatk13, Sabadahut and PMatt all have one.