The Maryland Terrapins found themselves in a world of hurt, literally, last season when it came to the offensive line. Before the season even got started Maryland lost two lineman who left to pursue career opportunities.
Another lineman, Jared Gaither, recognized as one of Maryland's top linemen faced academic issues and had to leave the team for the supplemental NFL draft. Gaither ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, and Gaither even got playing time last season
Once the season got started, the injuries just began to pile on in College Park. Both guards Jaimie Thomas and All-American candidate Andrew Crummey broke legs. Tackles Scott Burley and Bruce Campbell both suffered injuries throughout the season.
While, the injury bug sure did bite Maryland big time, they still held together enough to bring Maryland to a bowl game.
This season Maryland returns it's offensive line and could start five seniors. The projected starting line will probably appear as Tackle: Scott Burley and Dane Randolph, Guard: Jaimie Thomas and Jack Griffin or Phil Costa, Center: Edwin Williams. The whole entire offensive line is in the running for the All-ACC team.
Scott Burley, second team All-ACC by Rivals.com, is a large tackle who has quickly exploded onto the seen. Opposite Burley is Dane Randolph who is also 300 plus pounds and a solid blocker. The two combined helped protect Turner in his first season and opened many rushing lanes.
Jaimie Thomas is another 300 pound plus lineman who while playing guard has been instrumental in the success of the Maryland offense. Opposite of Thomas is a battle between Jack Griffin and Phil Costa. Jack Griffin stepped in for Thomas and Crummey last season and was very successful.
Phil Costa is a smart and well talented player who picked up a decent amount of starting experience last season, and may come out in the lead. Both Costa and Griffin are also 300-pounds plus.
At center is preseason All-ACC selection Edwin Williams. Williams has lead the way at center as a starter for the past two seasons. Williams rounds out the line making all of the likely starters weighing in at over 300 pounds.
Hopefully for Maryland, the injury bug is long gone. In the past season they have seen more than their fair share of injuries on the offensive line.
But, in case there are injuries and also in anticipation for next season where they will need to replace all the lineman the second team line will probably see a decent amount of clean up time and relief time.
Bruce Campbell, who saw time last season on the line, will likely be in for relief on the line often in the season. This big and talented lineman gained some experience and will only gain more this season.
While in the game there should be little worry he can perform. Another, tackle backup is Paul Pinegar, a walk on, who saw limited time but is a solid relief man also.
The guard relief and back up starts with the loser of the Costa and Griffin battle. Either way, expect both to see a large amount of playing time. Backing up the rest of the line is a talented bunch who lack experience.
One would expect Ralph to attempt to get some of these guys experience to be ready for next season, but they are not yet the stars of the show.
Overall, Maryland will feature one of the best offensive lines in the league. Expect a great amount of power and protection from the ever so talented and experience line. I would predict at least one of these guys is All-ACC at the end of the season, and I would lean with it being more than one.
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