Maryland football’s freshman linebackers add to a deep position group

As we continue our Maryland football preview series this summer, it’s time to take a look at the linebacker group. Thomas gave an overview Monday, I took a look at a pair of up-and-comers on Tuesday, Lamar previewed the veterans of the room on Wednesday, Lila broke down the transfers on Thursday and I analyzed the JACKs yesterday.

To wrap up Linebackers Week, it’s time to discuss the freshmen who could potentially make an impact from the get-go. Ahmad McCullough took a redshirt last season, making him a bit more experienced, but true freshmen Cortez Andrews and Kameron Blount could make some waves with a strong summer.

Ahmad McCullough, No. 19

Height: 6’3
Weight: 215
Year: Redshirt freshman
Hometown: Baltimore, Md.
High School: Mount St. Joseph

McCullough’s path thus far is unlike the other freshmen on this team, as this is actually his third year in college. After graduating Mount St. Joseph in 2017, McCullough went to Hutchinson Community College in Kansas for his first college experience. In June 2018, he flipped from Minnesota to College Park, joining the 2018 class as a three-star recruit and the No. 7 JuCo outside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite. As a freshman, he appeared in just three games, allowing him to retain a redshirt.

Cortez Andrews, No. 36

Height: 6’0
Weight: 217
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Tallahassee, Fla.
High School: Amos P. Godby

Andrews is currently listed as a linebacker on Maryland’s roster, but coming out of high school, he was a highly-touted safety recruit. Rated as a high-three star prospect, he received offers from some of the best programs in the nation in Alabama, Auburn and Georgia. However, wanting to make a larger impact than he could at a powerhouse, Andrews settled on the Terps. He may be smaller than his positional counterparts, but his experience as a defensive back could give him a chance at more opportunities.

Kameron Blount, No. 42

Height: 6’2
Weight: 216
Year: Freshman
Hometown: Waldorf, Md.
High School: St. Charles

At St. Charles, Blount was a two-way player, serving as both a linebacker and a quarterback. He earned First Team All-Metro honors for his performance as a senior, and though his versatility won’t be utilized in College Park the way it has been in the past, the three-star linebacker could make an impact as part of the program’s new-look defense. Blount committed to Maryland all the way back in April 2018, staying true to his word through signing his letter of intent in February 2019 on National Signing Day. He chose the Terps over North Carolina and Pittsburgh.