Maryland players go late

A banger was taken before a brawler.

Maryland safety Madieu Williams became the first Terrapin chosen in the NFL Draft yesterday over heralded defensive tackle Randy Starks. Williams was chosen 56th in the second round by Cincinnati, and Starks went 71st to Tennessee in the third round.

Williams was considered one of the Terps’ harder hitters, which should help his conversion to strong safety with the Bengals. Williams made 168 tackles with seven interceptions the last two seasons at free safety.

“I was thinking along [the second round],” Williams said. “I felt after the [NFL combine] I helped myself. I’m ready to go in and contribute. I’ll compete as a starter whether I start or not.”

Strong offseason testing saw Williams rise in the draft with several NFL teams contacting Maryland coaches about his background. Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis attended the Terps’ draft workout at Byrd Stadium on March25.

“Madieu’s going to be a real good pro because a lot of teams like that he can play safety and corner,” Maryland coach Ralph Friedgen said. “That gives him a lot of flexibility. His stock really rose at the end. [Cincinnati] is a real good place for him.”

Starks skipped his senior season expecting to be a first-round pick. Though several draft gurus like ESPN’s Mel Kiper projected him to go as a late first-round selection, several NFL general managers said Starks was unimpressive in offseason workouts and might be too young. He was 20 in December.

Starks was All-ACC last season with a strong second half to finish with 73 tackles and 7 sacks. However, Terps coaches urged him to remain for another year to ensure his first-round selection. An NFL panel projected Starks as a second-round pick during a January review but Starks decided to leave.

Friedgen and Williams were surprised Starks went so late.

“When he came out [for the draft], all the people I talked to in the NFL predicted second round,” Friedgen said.

Said Williams: “I was looking for his name in the first round.”

Several other Maryland players may still be drafted. Running back Bruce Perry posted several impressive workouts after two injury-plagued seasons hampered the 2001 ACC Offensive Player of the Year. Tight end Joe Dugan and linebacker Leon Joe are also expected to be chosen, with quarterback Scott McBrien a late-round possibility.