Maryland Football: Spring Practice Updates
Nov 22, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Maryland Terrapins running back Wes Brown (4) rushes in the second quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Any true college football fan knows that the spring is a monumental time in the offseason. It’s the time of the year when coaches see what they have to work with and begin preparing for the upcoming season. The Maryland football team is currently in spring practice and some things are starting to take shape for the 2015-16 college football season.
Here are some notes from Spring Practice thus far.
- Sophomore QB Shane Cockerille is currently taking the majority of the snaps with the first team, while junior Perry Hills is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered earlier this month.
- Sophomores Josh Woods and Antwaine Carter have switched positions; Woods now a free safety and Carter a corner
- FS Anthony Nixon appears to be the clear starter at the position. Senior A.J. Hendy is taking first team snaps at the other safety position.
Players to Watch:
The junior has really grown by leaps and bounds since his arrival at College Park. He is projected to be one of the main cogs in the Terps’ defensive line next season. Braglio appeared in every game this past season and started one of those games. For the season, he recorded 11 tackles and 2.5 sacks. He’s played multiple positions on the line during his career, but defensive end is his natural position, so expect him to take the majority of snaps there.
Nov 15, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Jacquille Veii (34) signals after a first down during the second quarter of a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
New running backs coach Terry Richardson has had the opportunity to get a pretty good look at Veii this spring. The junior has been getting plenty of snaps with Wes Brown out. Veii is a dynamic player out of the backfield. He can make plays running the ball but he’s also proven to be a reliable downfield pass-catcher as well. He’s definitely a guy who should play a key role in the Maryland offense next season.
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Ngakoue is another vital element to the Terps’ defensive line unit. Last season, he was used primarily at the outside linebacker position, but with the implementation of the 4-3 defense, he will be playing with his hand in the dirt as a defensive end. Ngakoue is a gifted pass rusher and should be able to make the adjustment rather smoothly. As a sophomore, he recorded 37 tackles to go with 6.5 sacks.
Davis is making the transition from safety to cornerback this season. As a junior, he made 115 total tackles and he also picked off two passes. Davis is one of the defensive leaders on this team and will be relied on heavily for leadership and production. If he can perform at the corner position as well as he has at safety, the Terps may have one of the better cornerback tandems in the conference.