Maryland Football: 10 Greatest Terps in NFL History

When it comes to college football programs who have produced the most NFL players, Miami, Michigan, Alabama and Texas tend to top the list. But another school deserving of mention is Maryland.

Here is a look at the 10 greatest players the Terrapins have produced, a list that includes several Pro Bowlers and Hall of Famers.

Vernon Davis

OK, it may be a little early to put Davis on this list considering he has had just one truly elite season in the NFL. But the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft had a strong postseason this year and may have a break-out year next season. That would truly solidify him as one of the best players at his position in the NFL.

Jermaine Lewis

After a nice career at Maryland where he broke several ACC records, Lewis was drafted in 1996 by the Baltimore Ravens. Lewis never really developed as a wide receiver, but he became one of the best returners in the NFL. He made two Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams in that role. His most memorable play was an 84-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXXV.

Kevin Glover

A first-team, All-American center at Maryland, Glover played almost his entire career with the Detroit Lions. He was one of the anchors for a Lions offensive line that allowed Barry Sanders to have such a great career.

Known for his durability, Glover made three Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Glover currently serves as the coordinator of development, alumni and community relations at Maryland.

Shawne Merriman

The 12th overall pick in the 2005 draft, Merriman was devastating as soon as he entered the NFL. He was the Defensive Rookie of the Year and followed that up in 2006 by leading the NFL with 17 sacks in a season that was limited to 12 games because of his four-game suspension for testing positive for steroids.

Merriman has made three Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams. Unfortunately, injuries have caused this once-great player to be a shell of himself. There is no doubt that if Merriman could have stayed healthy, he still would be considered one of the best in the game.

Kris Jenkins

In his prime, Jenkins was one of the top defensive tackles in the NFL. Bothered by injuries late in his career, Jenkins made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams.

Frank Wycheck

Wycheck is considered one of the best to ever play for the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans franchise. He is one of six tight ends in NFL history to have more than 500 career receptions. He made three Pro Bowl teams.

Gary Collins

The fourth overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in the 1962 NFL draft, Collins caught 13 touchdown passes in 1963. After making three touchdown catches, Collins was named MVP of the 1964 NFL title game, as the the Browns upset the Baltimore Colts.

Collins finished his career with 70 touchdowns receptions, a remarkably high figure considering the heavy emphasis on the running game and the physical style of defense played during that era. Collins was named to the NFL's 1960's All -Decade team.

Stan Jones

An All-American defensive tackle at Maryland, Jones was drafted in 1953 by the Chicago Bears. He became an offensive lineman and was one of the best of his era.

He made seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams. Jones is a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is credited as the first player to use weight training to improve his conditioning.

Boomer Esiason

Esiason followed a great college career with a great pro career. A second-round pick of the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984, Esiason was the 1988 NFL MVP. He made four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. He was also voted the NFL's 1995 Walter Payton Man of The Year.

Esiason almost got the Bengals a championship, but Joe Montana stole it in the late stages of Super Bowl XXII. Esiason is considered one of the great left-handed quarterbacks in NFL history.

Randy White

A two-time All American, White won the ACC Player of the Year, the Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award in his senior year at Maryland. The career Dallas Cowboy was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and nine-time All Pro.

He is a member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team. He helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XII  and was named co-MVP along with defensive end Harvey Martin. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.