Friedgen Keeps Terps In Mediocrity

Ralph Friedgen took Maryland to an improbable 10-2 record and an Orange Bowl Berth. Way back in 2002. He continues to parlay that success into additional years with the Terps, even though you could argue he doesn't deserve it. Sure, he's the face of Maryland football. But no one looks at that face. Maryland doesn't have any excitement behind it, and hasn't had excitement since that one magical season.

Change needs to occur, and unfortunately, the Terps administration has decided to keep it in the family. Maybe head coach in-waiting James Franklin will bring a new vibe to the program. Or maybe he will kept the status quo and the Terps will continue to middle around in 7-5 or 6-6 seasons.

The thing is, the potential for huge success is there. The area around DC should be controlled by the Terps and it's a minefield of quality football prospects. Derrick Williams, a star wide receiver at Penn State the last four years hailed from the area. Jelani Jenkins is a top linebacker recruit who signed with Florida last year. His film was the best since Lavarr Arrington. The list goes on and on, and Maryland continues to strike out.

The guy who needs to be hired, within minutes after Friedgen leaves, is Mike Locksley. He was the offensive coordinator at Illinois and has the D.C. metro area and its surrounding parts on lockdown. He could go into Dunbar high school and land anyone. He could go into Dematha and get a commitment. The Fridge can't.

Locksley will be in his first year as the head coach at New Mexico State this year. New Mexico State?!? Sounds like a great spot for him to learn the ropes of being a head coach. It also sounds like a great place to pry him from when Friedgen gives way.

Unfortunately, James Franklin will be taking over the reigns, and Locksley and his recruiting dominance of the D.C. region will continue to chug away at a place other than College Park.