Maryland used three true freshmen for the first time Saturday.
That, though, might be the last time a newcomer makes a debut for the Terrapins this season.
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Coach Randy Edsall wouldn’t definitively say he wouldn’t use another true freshman for the first time, and understandably so. Depth issues can force any coach’s hand.
But at this point, eight true freshmen might be enough for this season.
“Just off the top of my head in thinking about who we have out there, I can’t right now —- and I say right now, so don’t hold me to it; you guys would never do that, anyhow —- but I can’t see anybody else right now,” Edsall said.
Four newcomers —- defensive end Keith Bowers, fullback Tyler Cierski, running back Justus Pickett and linebacker Alex Twine —- played in Maryland’s opener. Wideout Marcus Leak debuted against West Virginia. And wideout Tyrek Cheeseboro, linebacker Cole Farrand and defensive back A.J. Hendy all played in Saturday’s defeat of Towson on special teams.
But a third of the way into the season, Edsall is inclined to preserve the redshirts of the rest of his freshmen going forward.
“A lot of that depends on how much they would play or anything like that,” Edsall said. “I think for the most part I would think probably —- again, I’m trying to think off the top of my head, so don’t hold me to it —- I don’t think you’d see another true freshman.”
—- Patrick Stevens
