The Terps return four of their top six linebackers from 2023.
We’ve already covered the special teams, defensive line and secondary. Now, let’s dive into Maryland’s linebacker depth for the 2024 season.
The Terps boasted a solid linebacker group in 2023, but they now face some crucial questions as they look to replace key contributors at the position.
While Maryland returns much of its linebacker depth from last season, the recent departures mean that some of these returning players will likely see increased opportunities and more time on the field.
Palpable potential
Each year, a new group of linebackers take the field for the Terps, and 2024 is no different. This season, several younger, unproven players will likely see action, possibly for the first time. But that won’t change the mindset that veteran leader Ruben Hyppolite II envisions his unit embodying.
“We still want to uphold the standard we have for ourselves as a defense,” Hyppolite said at media day. “[Defensive coordinator] Brian Williams, he’s going to continue to challenge us on a day-to-day basis.”
For a glimpse of the potential this group could bring on Saturdays, look no further than redshirt freshman Neeo Avery. Although he didn’t see any in-game action in 2023, Avery was rated as a four-star prospect by 247Sports coming out of high school. He turned heads this past spring, impressing in the annual Red-White Spring Game.
Beyond Avery, the Terps have several intriguing prospects, including incoming freshman Keyshawn Flowers, who at 6-foot-2 and 215 pounds, projects as a rangy player with the versatility of a safety. Another promising freshman, Trey Reddick, played as an edge rusher in high school but is expected to transition to linebacker in college. At 6-foot-3 and 222 pounds, Reddick also has the potential to showcase his versatility.
Maryland will also benefit from a more mature and experienced leadership group. Williams has already highlighted Hyppolite’s growth.
“[Hyppolite] is playing a lot faster, he’s seeing things a lot better and he’s knowing how and when to utilize his speed,” said Williams. “He’s gotten stronger in the weight room so he’s playing with more power. … It’s like a cheat code to have him.”
Hyppolite had a standout 2023 season, recording 66 tackles, the second-most on the team. He earned 2023 third-team All-Big Ten honors and was named to the 2024 Athlon Sports Preseason second-team All-Big Ten. He’ll likely man the middle of the field once again and remain a key run-stopper.
Joining Hyppolite in the starting lineup will likely be junior Caleb Wheatland and senior Donnell Brown. Wheatland, who was second on the team in both sacks and tackles for loss, offers inside-outside versatility and tallied 41 tackles last season.
Brown, often deployed as a stand-up edge rusher, is the Terps’ Swiss Army knife with a knack for covering the flat. Last year, he recorded two interceptions doing just that. But he also has plenty of ability as a pass rusher, tallying three sacks.
Replacing some stars
Maryland lost two standout linebackers from 2023: Jaishawn Barham and Fa’Najae Gotay. Gotay, a redshirt senior, transferred to Auburn, while Barham took his talents to Michigan after a stellar sophomore season.
Barham and Gotay were critical to the Terps’ success last season, both ranking top eight on the team in tackles and top nine in tackles for loss. Together, they also accounted for 5.5 sacks.
Their departures leave significant gaps in the defense that won’t be easy to fill.
However, Maryland has the talent and depth to step up and fill these roles.
Junior Kellan Wyatt, along with sophomores Michael Harris and Daniel Wingate, are among the players expected to see more playing time. Williams also said he is confident in Wyatt’s potential for a breakout season.
Wyatt led the Terps with 4.5 sacks and 6.5 tackles for loss last year. Harris, as a true freshman, recorded nine tackles, one tackle for loss and two pass deflections. Wingate, also a true freshman in 2023, added seven tackles and one tackle for loss.
While the Terps’ lost two of their most talented players on defense, there are multiple answers to replacing them.