Courtesy: University of Maryland
The Maryland Terrapins, under first year head coach Randy Edsall, became one of the most disappointing teams in the ACC after finishing the 2011 season with a 2-10 record. Many fans have blamed Edsall for the team’s collapse and he deserves some, but it also falls on the players who were not willing to buy into his philosophy.
Players like QB Danny O’Brien and RB D.J. Adams were supposed to be the foundation for the Terrapins offense; O’Brien did not fit the offensive scheme and Adams violated team rules, continually, and lost significant playing time. Both have since transferred, leaving Edsall with huge question marks at Running Back and worries if new starting Quarterback, C.J. Brown, can be consistent.
Of course many wish that Ralph Friedgen was still with the team, but the program needed a change due to many off-field issues. When Friedgen was head coach several players were caught skipping class, getting arrested and bringing bad publicity to the team. Friedgen was too lenient on with his players, which caused many, such as former starting QB Josh Portis, to fail out of the school and be forced to transfer.
When Edsall arrived, he implanted a no tolerance policy, which is exactly what the Terps needed to succeed. His first year was questionable, at best, but off the field he had reminded the players they were student-athletes; enforcing the first part of that title was most important.
Stefon Diggs (Courtesy-Sports Illustrated)
Edsall has also been an excellent recruiter in the past and it showed after bringing in top prospects, like Stefon Diggs and Mike Madaras; both of which are Good Counsel High School in Olney, Maryland. Diggs, the 13th rated recruit (according to ESPN’s 150 rankings), had many scholarship offers from several larger universities with greater pedigrees, like Florida and Ohio State, but chose to stay close to home with Terrapins’ much maligned Head Coach. The talent level over the next couple nears should drastically improve at Byrd Stadium over the next couple seasons.
So before we declare him a failure, give Edsall a chance to implant his philosophies and players before we pass judgment. He could be just what Maryland needs to elevate this program on and off the football field. Something that has never been accomplished it the university’s long athletic history.
