Maryland Spring Practice: Joe Vellano, Darin Drakeford Will Miss Significant Time

The Maryland Terrapins are coming off of a very disappointing season, but a new year brings new possibilities and the Terps will work on getting it right using Spring Practice. But the Terps are already starting to lose some players to injury and other reasons during the Spring, and that includes a couple of guys that are part of their defensive core.

Arguably their best defensive player a year ago, Joe Vellano will miss the rest of the Spring with a foot injury according to Patrick Stevens of the Washington Times. Starting linebacker Darin Drakeford will also miss some time with academic issues. Despite the injuries to key players, head coach Randy Edsall isn't worried.

"I don't worry about that in the spring," coach Randy Edsall said Tuesday. "If I'm any of those guys that are out there, I don't want to see anybody get hurt, but if I was a No. 2 I would love to see my opportunity come because now I can do more and show more. You're not looking to have your product on April 21."

These injuries to the front seven could be very difficult for the Terps because they are moving to a new defensive formation and the Spring is an important time to build continuity with the other players on the unit.

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