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Maryland Terrapins: 2016 College Football Season Preview

By Jonathan Gross

Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet on the field prior to a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet on the field prior to a game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 30, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Sean Davis (21) looks on during the third quarter of the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi
Dec 30, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Maryland Terrapins defensive back Sean Davis (21) looks on during the third quarter of the Foster Farms Bowl at Levi /

Key Losses

  • Sean Davis, DB: Pittsburgh Steelers, second round, 58th overall
  • Yannick Ngakoue, DE: Jacksonville Jaguars, third round, 69th overall
  • Quinton Jefferson, DT: Seattle Seahawks, fifth round, 147th overall

An already weak defense just got weaker. The three players lost to the NFL Draft were the lone bright spots for Maryland and losing them hurts. The tandem of Ngakoue and Jefferson tormented opponents. The former racked up a school-best 13.5 sacks last season while the latter made 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 of which were sacks.

Not to mention, the 6-4, 291 pound Jefferson had a pick, blocked a punt and forced/recovered a fumble. Impressive feats for a guy who is mostly supposed to just stop the run.

Davis was the leader of the Maryland secondary. As a senior, he led the team in solo tackles (70) and was fifth in the nation with five forced fumbles. He also hauled in three interceptions.

Put all of that together and you can see why he’ll be missed in College Park. The hard-hitting defensive back was a big-time presence and will be tough to replace.

Next: Coaching Changes

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