Stefon Diggs Highlights Maryland Scrimmage Saturday

Stefon Diggs lit it up in the Maryland scrimmage, scoring twice on returns.

Maryland Football: Defensive End Ian Evans Leaves Program

Maryland Terrapins defensive end Ian Evans has left the program for personal reasons, head coach Randy Edsall told the Washington Times Tuesday afternoon.

It is unknown where Evans will land.

"Ian came to see me today and he's decided to leave the university for some personal reasons that he has," Edsall said. "I just wished him well and hope that he gets all those things resolved and taken care of."

As a redshirt freshman, Evans appeared in four games last season for the Terps, highlighted by a career-best three tackles, two solo, against Virginia on Nov. 5 -- his first appearance. Over the course of the season, he finished with seven tackles, including one for a loss.

A native of Atco, N.J., Evans was recruited as the 25th-best player in the state of New Jersey.

According to the Times, Maryland, following Evans' departure, now has 79 scholarship players on its roster.

For more on the Maryland Terrapins, visit Testudo Times.

Randy Edsall Gets Vote Of Confidence From Maryland University President Wallace D. Loh

Maryland president Wallace D. Loh stopped by The Baltimore Sun to discuss the current state of the school's athletic program, which was highlighted by Loh giving a less than stellar endorsement of football head coach Randy Edsall after his team posted a 2-10 record in a tumultuous 2011 campaign.

Here is what he had to say:

"Well, he's our coach," Loh said finally. "And, uh, I think he has some very, very positive qualities. He is very interested in the student's success, as is Kevin Anderson. First and foremost, when I hired Kevin Anderson, I made it clear: we're in big-time athletics, but among student-athletes, the welfare of the student comes first. They must graduate, they must acquire the kinds of skills that will make them successful in life, because the vast majority are not going into professional athletics . . .

"Having set those broad parameters . .. 2-10 is not a record any of us likes. But on the other hand, it takes time to have a winning program. But I remain hopeful and supportive of both of them that they can turn the program around and have a winning program, while still abiding by those values."

Edsall has been criticized mightily for the departures of numerous players in addition to the lackluster on-field performance. This statement coming from the president should give him a clue that his time at Maryland could be over shortly if things don't turn around.

For more on the Maryland Terrapins, visit Testudo Times.

Former Defensive Coordinator Todd Bradford Will Receive $300,000 Buyout From Maryland

The University of Maryland pretty much cleaned house in their football coaching staff this year, replacing both the offensive and defensive coordinators. But both of those coaches were under lengthy contracts, so just getting them to leave is not an inexpensive thing. According to Steve Yanda of the Washington Post, The University will have to pay former defensive coordinator $300,000 as part of his buyout agreement.

Per the terms of his separation agreement, a copy of which was obtained via a public records request, Bradford temporarily assumed a non-football administrative position in the athletic department until Jan. 31, his final day of employment at Maryland. Bradford stepped down after one season in College Park, during which the Terrapins went 2-10 and Maryland’s defense was among the most porous in the ACC. He was due to receive $700,000 over the final two years of his contract.

That's a lot of money for someone who oversaw an absolutely terrible defense last year, especially for a program that is having such a hard time financially. But Bradford had to go, if for nothing else than to show fans that last season was unacceptable. But this is a lot of money to pay for a message.

For more on this and everything Maryland athletics, please check out Testudo Times.

Maryland Football To Switch To 3-4 Defense After Hiring Brian Stewart As Defensive Coordinator

Maryland football will be changing its defensive scheme in the wake of hiring former Houston defensive coordinator Brian Stewart to the same position, coach Randy Edsall announced on Tuesday. The Terps will be officially transitioning to a 3-4 defense, going slightly away from old coordinator Todd Bradford's scheme.

Via Jacob Engelke of Inside Md. Sports:

Edsall says the #Terps will run an "an aggressive 3-4 system" under new defensive coordinator Brian Stewart.

— Jakob Engelke (@Jakob_Engelke) January 17, 2012

Edsall on the 3-4: "I think it’s going to work really well with what we have and some young men that we have commitments from." #Terps

— Jakob Engelke (@Jakob_Engelke) January 17, 2012

SB Nation's Terps blog Testudo Times has more on the switch.

Assuming Stewart takes the right approach here, going one-gap and emphasizing speed and athleticism, I can see it working. But make no mistake: going 3-4 this year would be a move made entirely with eyes on the long-term. It's not the best fit for the current roster, or even a particularly good fit, although there are some pieces in reserve that will make sense in a year or two. The good news is that there are multiple recruits in the area, considering Maryland, that make tons of sense for this scheme. Get them in, and you can see the obviously huge ceiling this set has.

For more on this hire and what it means for the Maryland football team, please head over to Testudo Times.

Maryland Officially Hires Brian Stewart As Defensive Coordinator

The rumors that began popping up over the Holiday weekend have been confirmed, as Maryland has officially announced that they will hire Brian Stewart as their defensive coordinator, according to a press release on their website. Stewart has spent time as a defensive coordinator in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys, but his last position was with the Houston Cougars in the same capacity. Here is what Stewart had to say about joining the Maryland staff.

"I'm excited to join Randy's staff," Stewart said. "I admired what he did at UConn and saw the beginning of that transformation while I was at Syracuse. We've taken similar career paths as secondary coaches and then coordinators. It will be an exciting new challenge implementing our defense in the ACC, a very competitive league and one of the traditional BCS conferences."

The big question that now remains is whether or not Stewart will be bringing a new 3-4 defense with him to College Park. He ran that system with the Cowboys in the NFL and transformed the Cougars to that system during his two years in Houston. I'm sure that question will be answered sooner rather than later.

For more on this hire and what it means for the Maryland football team, please head over to Testudo Times.

Brian Stewart Likely To Be Hired As Maryland Football Defensive Coordinator, According To Report

The Maryland Terrapins are expected to hire Brian Stewart, formerly of the Houston Cougars, to replace Todd Bradford as defensive coordinator, reports the Washington Post. "Stewart's deal with Terps is not yet signed," the Post says, "but barring something unforeseen, it will happen."

On a per-game basis, Maryland yielded 34.8 points and 457.2 yards of total offense under Bradford during the 2011 season, including 219.8 rushing yards. Stewart's Cougars fared much better: though the team is renowned for its offense, the defense played well too, giving up only 22.4 points per game and 380.3 yards of offense.

Stewart's coaching career began as a wide receiver/running back specialist with the Cal Poly Mustangs in 1993. He didn't switch to a defensive coach until 1997, his first year with the San Jose St. Spartans, where he served as the defensive backs coach. He's coached in college and at the NFL level; prior to taking the Cougars' defensive coordinator position, he was a special assistant for the Philadelphia Eagles.

For more on the Terrapins, please visit Testudo Times, SB Nation's Maryland blog.

Maryland Football Completes Buyout Of Defensive Coordinator Todd Bradford's Contract, According To Report

The Maryland football program has completed a contract buyout of defensive coordinator Todd Bradford, according to Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun. Barker reports that the Terps plan to "act quickly" to find a replacement. An official announcement is expected later Friday.

Bradford held the job for just one year, but in that year, the Terps' defense fell apart, falling to 108th nationally. Injuries and suspensions played a key role, but the defense was faltering even before those things happened. Bradford, the former linebackers coach, received a promotion after former defensive coordinator Don Brown abruptly left for Connecticut last winter. The Terps offered the job to former Miami coach Randy Shannon, but he declined it.

The Terps' new defensive coordinator will have a strong returning cast next season, with defensive tackle Joe Vellano expected to come back and linebacker Kenny Tate receiving a medical hardship.

For more on the Terps, visit Testudo Times.

Mike Locksley Contract Incentives Ripped To Shreds By ESPN

Former Maryland Football Running Back D.J. Adams To Transfer To Portland State

D.J. Adams, a former Maryland football running back that decided to leave the program following a disappointing season under coach Randy Edsall, has transferred to I-AA Portland State, he told Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times. Adams will be eligible to play for Portland State next year.

Adams was released from his scholarship on November 30 after a year in which he barely saw the field for reasons many didn't understand. Adams showed promise as a freshman as a short-down yardage back, but Edsall elected to use Justus Pickett in those situations for most of the year. There were reports that Edsall and Adams didn't get along personally, which is why he was benched.

Adams finished the season with just 40 carries and four touchdowns. He was made ineligible for three games last year.

For more on the D.J. Adams situation and the Maryland Terrapins, check out SB Nation's Maryland blog Testudo Times. Be sure to also follow the story on SB Nation DC.

Mike Locksley Receives Four-Year Guaranteed Contract To Coach For Maryland, According To Report

New Maryland football offensive coordinator Mike Locksley has a contract that will pay him $500,000 annually guaranteed for four years, according to Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post. Locksley, the former head coach at New Mexico, has been with the Terps for several weeks, but this is the first report of his contract terms.

Handing out a guaranteed four-year contract to an assistant coach is not a common practice in college football, especially for a school lacking in funds. Nevertheless, in his short time back with the Terps, Locksley has already made a major impact with recruiting, coming in late to steal four-star Good Counsel running back Wes Brown from other top schools. His skill as a recruiter, particularly in the rich Washington D.C. area, potentially makes Locksley worth every penny of his contract.

Locksley came to Maryland after a failed stint as New Mexico's head coach, one that featured lots of losing and off-field issues.

For more on the Terps, visit Testudo Times.

Todd Bradford Likely To Leave As Maryland Football Defensive Coordinator, According To Report

The Maryland football team is expected to have two new coordinators next season. Already, offensive coordinator Gary Crowton has been removed from his position, replaced by Mike Locksley. Now, it appears defensive coordinator Todd Bradford will not return, according to the Washington Post.

Bradford was promoted late in the offseason last year after Don Brown left to coach at Connecticut. Under his watch, a once-strong Terps defense fizzled, finishing 108th in the nation in total defense. Bradford changed the scheme and moved safety Kenny Tate to linebacker, a move that didn't work out before Tate was injured.

It's unclear who may replace Bradford. Former Terps head coach Ron Vanderlinden is a name that has popped up in some rumors, but he told Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun that he is not a candidate for the position and wouldn't be interested if the Terps came calling.

For more on the Terps, visit Testudo Times.

Maryland Officially Hires Mike Locksley As Offensive Coordinator

The Maryland Terrapins formally announced the hiring of Mike Locksley as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach on Thursday. Locksley, most recently the head coach of the New Mexico Lobos, served as the Terrapins' running backs coach from 1998-2002.

Prior to joining New Mexico, Locksley served as the Illinois Fighting Illini's offensive coordinator, helping the team improve from No. 86 to No. 19 among FBS schools in points per game from 2005 to 2008.

Locksley's hire comes as no surprise, as reports circulated last Thursday that Maryland had decided to bring him aboard in that role.

In addition to his skills as a coordinator, Locksley is renowned for his recruiting acumen. The Terps' release announcing his hiring notes he has three times been listed as a Top-25 recruiter and was a finalist for Rivals.com's recruiter of the year award in 2007.

Locksley replaces Gary Crowton as Maryland's offensive coordinator. The team dismissed Crowton from coaching its offense after just one season, as the Terps went 2-10 and ranked No. 89 in points per game under him.

For more on the Terrapins, please visit Testudo Times, SB Nation's Maryland blog.

Former Maryland Lineman R.J. Dill Will Transfer To Rutgers

The Maryland Football team is bleeding players this season, as more and more players transfer to different schools for various reasons. Most of the the players to this point have transferred to lesser programs in the lower levels of collegiate football. But some will transfer to equally important programs, and according to Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times, R.J. Dill will transfer to Rutgers. Here is the email that Dill sent to Stevens explaining his decision.

I would like to thank all the coaches who reached out and offered me a place to further my academic and athletic endeavors. However I have decided to finish my collegiate career at Rutgers University.  I feel that Rutgers offers me the best opportunity to better myself as a student athlete.  I am excited to end this college search so that I can focus on getting my graduate degree in labor relations, and look forward to becoming part of the Rutgers football family.

Thank you,

RJ Dill

Dill would have been a key part of the offensive line for Maryland, and it is interesting that he is willing to take the redshirt year off so late in his career.

For more on the Maryland football team, head over to Testudo Times.

Mike Locksley Hire Could Become Official As Soon As Wednesday, According To A Report

Once it was announced that Gary Crowton would not be returning to Maryland as an offensive coordinator, the hiring of Mike Locksley to replace became almost a no-brainer. It was rumored as early as Saturday, and despite rumors that Locksley is on campus, we're still waiting for an official announcement that Locksley will in fact have the job. According to Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun, that announcement could come as soon as Wednesday as the two sides finalize the financial side of things.

Maryland is nearing agreement on a contract to hire  former New Mexico coach Mike Locksley as its next offensive coordinator, according to to two sources close to the negotiations. Locksley and the school are working out contract details. While the deal is not finalized yet, a press release is anticipated soon -- possibly as soon as Wednesday.

Testudo Times raised an interesting theory that Maryland could be waiting to hire Locksley officially because if he isn't under contract then he can have free access to potential recruits without violating any NCAA rules, but I'd be surprised if that was the only reason why he wasn't signed. I expect this deal to come through sooner rather than later.

Mike Locksley Hire As New Maryland Football Offensive Coordinator To Be Finalized Monday, According To Report

It appears that Mike Locksley will soon be officially hired as the new Maryland football offensive coordinator, replacing Gary Crowton, who has been reassigned elsewhere in the athletic department. Locksley's contract is expected to finalized very soon, according to InsideMdSports.com.

#Terps hiring of Mike Locksley as offensive coordinator, first reported by InsideMDSports.com last week, likely to be official today.

Defensive back Cameron Chism noted on Twitter that he saw Locksley in the building, presumably to finalize his new deal.

Locksley is coming off a stint to forget at the head coach at New Mexico, as he went 2-26 and was the focus of several disciplinary issues. However, he has strong recruiting ties to the area and is known as a good offensive mind.

Crowton leaves after just one year on the job, during which he unsuccessfully tried to install a hurry-up offense. Quarterback Danny O'Brien, who was the top freshman in the ACC a year ago, regressed under Crowton.

For more on the Terps, visit Testudo Times.

Maryland Running Back Jeremiah Wilson Will Transfer To James Madison

There has been a pretty sharp and consistent exodus from the Maryland Football team this Winter as players continue to leave the new coaching staff behind. The tally is now approaching double digits, as reports come in that freshman running back Jeremiah Wilson will transfer to James Madison.

SOURCE: Maryland running back Jeremiah Wilson (Handley High) will transfer to James Madison. Wilson visited this weekend. #JMUrivals #CAAfb

— Mike Barber (@MikeABarber) December 19, 2011

In terms of actual on-field football ramifications, this transfer does not mean a ton. Wilson started off the year getting some significant carries against the likes of Miami, but he was soon passed on the depth chart by Justus Pickett, another freshman. He also started off the year returning kicks, but Pickett usurped that responsibility by the end of the year as well.

But this does point to a larger trend that had become disturbing this offseason. It's possible, however, that Wilson is strictly transferring because of a lack of carries, instead of some sort of irreconcilable differences with the coaching staff; as is to be believed with some of the other transfers this year. But it still means that an increasing number of players would prefer not to be a part of the Maryland football program, and that is not a good thing.

Maryland Gives Gary Crowton New Role

Former Maryland offensive coordinator Gary Crowton is not leaving the Terrapins athletic program just yet. The Washington Post's Terrapins Insider account tweets that he has a new job in College Park.

This would appear to be part of Crowton's negotiated buyout from the university set into motion after officials at Maryland became upset with the coach after courting coaching jobs elsewhere. The Terrapins, who finished the 2011 season 2-10 and will not appear in a bowl game, were ranked No. 89 nationally in scoring offense, averaging just 23.1 points per game. Maryland lost eight consecutive games to close its 2011 season.

For more on the Terrapins, visit SB Nation's Maryland blog, Testudo Times.

Maryland Expected To Hire Mike Locksley As New Offensive Coordinator, According To Report

It was announced yesterday that Offensive Coordinator Gary Crowton would not be returning to the team next year. According to various reports, including this one from Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun, the University is expected to hire former New Mexico head coach and Maryland assistant Mike Locksley to the same position. 

Maryland is expected to hire former New Mexico coach Mike Locksley as its offensive coordinator, according to a knowledgeable source. Locksley would replace Gary Crowton. The school is negotiating the terms of Crowton's release after one season. Locksley was 2-26 at New Mexico but is known as an aggressive recruiter. He is a former Towson University player and Maryland assistant.

Locksley is famous for two things; He is unarguably the best recruiter of the DMV in the entire Nation, but he also had a drama filled departure from his last job. Locksley has recruited some of the best players in the area to places like Illinois, and kept himself in the race at New Mexico longer than anyone could have imagined. But he also punched an assistant coach during his time there and was finally let go when a recruit was found driving his car while drunk; and claimed that Locksley had given him permission to do so.

Locksley might not be the best gameplan guy as an offensive coordinator, but if he is able to bring in the area's best recruits (and make no mistake that is why he is here) then his addition to the staff will be invaluable.

Maryland Will Negotiate Gary Crowton's Departure

After losing several players to transfers and being released from their scholarships this season, the Maryland Terrapins will also be losing offensive coordinator Gary Crowton. According to reports, Maryland became upset at Crowton courting other coaching opportunities as well as the fact that the Terrapins offense under Crowton was completely ineffective.

It could be that Crowton and Maryland will agree to a negotiated buyout under which the school will be responsible for some -- but not all -- of the balance of his three-year contract. He makes a guaranteed $500,000 per year.

If Crowton were found in breach of contract, Maryland would not be responsible for the balance. I don't know if that possibility will enter into the negotiations or not.

According to Jeff Barker of the Baltimore Sun, Maryland became unhappy with Crowton when he publicly reached out for the head coaching position at Colorado State.

Maryland was unhappy that offensive coordinator Gary Crowton courted another job. That clearly didn't help Crowton's prospects.

— Jeff Barker (@sunjeffbarker) December 14, 2011

For more on the Maryland Terrapins, visit SB Nation's Maryland blog Testudo Times.

Gary Crowton To Leave Maryland Football Program Before Next Season, According To Report

The Maryland football team has already lost several players to transfer following a 2-10 season. Now, they will lose one of their coaches. Gary Crowton, the team's much-maligned offensive coordinator, is expected to leave the program, according to Eric Prisbell of the Washington Post.

Three sources say Maryland OC Gary Crowton will not return to Terrapins next season.

Crowton came to the program last year from LSU, where he wore out his welcome. He attempted to install a fast-paced offense for the Terps and new coach Randy Edsall, but incumbent quarterback Danny O'Brien struggled to pick it up and was benched for C.J. Brown.

Crowton had signed a three-year contract to come to Maryland from LSU, and despite the Terps' much-publicized athletic budget shortfall, it appears he will last in Maryland for just one year. It remains unclear how he will be replaced.

For more on the Terps, visit Testudo Times.

Adrian Coxson Transfer: Maryland Terrapins' WR To Leave Team

Wednesday, the Maryland Terrapins learned wide receiver Adrian Coxson will become the eighth player to seek a transfer from coach Randy Edsall's program. "This is my second and last time moving on..it's what's best for me and my family," Coxson wrote on his Twitter account. "I hate to leave but I have to."

Coxson, a redshirt freshman from Baltimore City College, appeared in two games for Maryland this season, recording four catches for 90 yards and a touchdown. His best game came against the Boston College Eagles, when he caught three passes for 78 yards and a score. He transferred to Maryland from the Florida Gators.

Testudo Times assesses the impact of Coxson's departure on the program:

The loss of Coxson hurts because he was young, talented, and could have helped open up some more pipelines to Baltimore. But this isn't a travesty for the Terps. They've still got talent at wide receiver, and a bevy of open scholarships to help fill the void.

For more on the Terrapins, please visit Testudo Times, SB Nation's Maryland blog.

Cody Blue The Latest Maryland Transfer In Randy Edsall's First Offseason

The total transfer count in College Park hit seven on Tuesday night, as it was announced third-year defensive lineman Cody Blue would be leaving the University of Maryland football program. Blue is the seventh player to leave the Terps football program since Randy Edsall's first season ended unceremoniously last month with an eight game losing streak.

Blue was peripheral player, who had moved back and forth from the offensive and defensive sides of the ball in three years at Maryland.  He played in four games this season and notched only five tackles.

Jeff Barker of The Baltimore Sun reported Blue's departure, and spoke with the former Terp at his home.

Via Jeff Barker of The Baltimore Sun:

I had a talk with [athletic director] Kevin Anderson and Coach Edsall. I decided not to come back next year. It's best for me to try my last two years at another university."

Blue indicated his departure did not have anything to do with Maryland of the coaches. But the exodus is alarming, as he joins 6 others who have left already this offseason.

For more news, discussion, and analysis on Maryland, visit SB Nation's Terps blog, Testudo Times.

Maryland Football Transfers: Randy Edsall Grants Release To Three More Terps

On Tuesday night, three more Maryland football players were granted their release from the program, bringing the total to six in Randy Edsall's first offseason in College Park. A total of 18 scholarships players have left the program since the beginning of the year. The latest departures on Tuesday included two running backs, Rahsaan Moore and Jeremiah Wilson. The third player released was defensive back Titus Till. All three were redshirt freshman, and they will finish out the final weeks of the semester before transferring out. Randy Edsall issued the standard boilerplate regarding the transfers.

Via Keith McMillan of The Washington Post:

"We appreciate the effort of all three of these young men and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors."

They join running back D.J. Adams, tackle R.J. Dill, and defensive lineman David Mackall as Terps who have left this offseason. Dill, whose transfer was announced on Monday, will create a void on the offensive line. With Moore and Wilson leaving, the Terps now have just two tailbacks on scholarship.

For more news, discussion, and analysis on Maryland, visit SB Nation's Terps blog, Testudo Times.

R.J. Dill, Maryland Football's Starting Right Tackle, To Leave Program

Right tackle R.J. Dill, who has started 30 straight games at his position, has asked for a release from his scholarship.