Maryland Football: Juwann Winfree Suspended Indefinitely
Nov 15, 2014; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins wide receiver Juwann Winfree (81) after catching a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the Michigan State Spartans at Byrd Stadium. Michigan State Spartans defeated Maryland Terrapins 37-15. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Maryland football program took another big hit on Monday when wide receiver Juwann Winfree was suspended indefinitely for a violation of the university’s student code of conduct.
Winfree’s suspension is another major blow to a Terps receiving corps that has already suffered a tough offseason. It began with the departures of the two stars: Stefon Diggs and Deon Long. Diggs entered the NFL Draft and was selected by the Minnesota Vikings, while Long moved on due to graduation. This came as no surprise to the Maryland coaching staff, so they were prepared to move on from those losses.
However, what they couldn’t have planned for was two more losses of contributing receivers from a season ago. First, it was Jacquille Veii. Then, it was Marcus Leak. With these losses, Maryland soon realized that they would be asked to enter the upcoming season without their top four receivers from last season.
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Once it was announced that Veii and Leak would be leaving the program, the pressure was on Winfree. He now would need to slide into a starting role, a void left by the departure of Leak. Winfree played in a limited role as a freshman last season due to a crowded receiving corps. He appeared in eight games and caught 11 passes for 158 yards and two touchdowns.
Now, the Terps have another obstacle to overcome. However, as it has been for the entire offseason, it’s all about next man up. Without Winfree in the fold, for however long that may be, Taivon and Levern Jacobs will now be called upon to step up and produce for the Maryland offense.
The 2015-16 college football season will without a doubt be a very trying one indeed for head coach Randy Edsall and the Maryland Terrapins.
Someone on the receiving unit will need to step up to the plate and play well or else it will be a long year for the Terps.