|
|
By the SouthernPigskin.com Staff
In the "Perfect Ten" series, members of the SouthernPigskin.com Staff will rank the ten best players at each school since 1975. Next up, Maryland.
In an attempt to help bring into to focus just a small piece of the humbling tradition of football in the south, the SouthernPigskin.com Staff will rank the top ten players at each ACC and SEC school from 1975 until now. These post-Vietnam War rankings, if you will, will help showcase the best of the best in the relatively modern era of southern college football.
1. E.J. Henderson, LB (1999-2002) – One of the most feared and effective linebackers in college football history, Henderson earned first-team All-American honors as a junior and senior and went on to win the ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2001 and 2002. Henderson won both the Butkus and Bednarik Award as a senior and holds three major NCAA records: career solo tackles per game, season solo tackles per game and season solo tackles.
2. Boomer Esiason, QB (1981-1983) – Set 17 school records during his illustrious career with the Terrapins, earning some All-American attention as both a junior and a senior. Led Maryland to an ACC Championship in 1983. Went on to a successful NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals.
3. Scott Milanovich, QB (1990-1993) – Is the school passing leader in almost every respect. His 3,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in 1993 is one of the best single season performances in ACC history. Is Maryland’s career passing yards leader by over 1,000 yards with 7,301. He holds the current NCAA record with highest career completion rate. Also earned All-American recognition as a punter.
4. J.D. Maarleveld, OT (1984-1985) – Started his career at Notre Dame before being diagnosed with cancer and losing his roster spot. Upon recovery, Maarleveld transferred to Maryland where he went on to win the Brian Piccolo Award given to the league player who most overcomes adversity. As a senior, Maarleveld earned consensus first-team All-American honors.
5. LaMont Jordan, RB (1997-2000) – Set Maryland’s single season rushing record as a junior, earning All-ACC honors. That year, he led the nation in rushing over the second half of the season. Earned second-team league honors as both a sophomore and senior. Is the program’s career rushing leader by a large margin with 4,147 yards.
6. Steve Suter, RS (2001-2004) – Returned four punts back for touchdowns as a sophomore and added a 61-yard run and 91-yard reception for scores that same year. Set NCAA records for punt and kick returns and punt returns for touchdown, earning All-American honors in 2001. Was slowed by injuries as an upperclassman, but still broke all the ACC career marks for punt returns. Was twice named first-team All-ACC.
7. Joe Campbell, DT (1973-1976) – A consensus All-American in 1976, Campbell was a disruptive force at the line of scrimmage for the Terrapins. He went on to win a Super Bowl with the Oakland Raiders in 1980. Made big play after big play for the 1974, 1975 and 1976 ACC champions.
8. Bruce Perry, RB (2001-2004) – Had an unbelievable sophomore season, leading the Terrapins to a 10-1 regular season record and the ACC Championship. He rushed for 1,242 yards and caught 40 passes, earning ACC Offensive Player of the Year honors and second-team All-American recognition. Injuries slowed him down his junior and senior seasons.
9. D'Qwell Jackson, LB (2002-2005) – A three-time all-conference team member, Jackson led the ACC in tackles as a junior and earned All-American recognition from various outlets. As a senior, he was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year. Is one of only three players in school history to lead the team in tackles for three straight seasons.
10. Eric Wilson, LB (1981-1984) – Is the career tackles leader for the Terrapins with 481, eight more stops than E.J. Henderson. Had 178 tackles in 1983 and had 160 stops in 1984. The defensive leader for the 1983 and 1984 ACC Champions.
Next: Miami
.....
Share your thoughts on the SouthernPigskin.com Message Boards or email us at
|
Comments
hmmmm, no shawne merriman?
Merriman dominated games, maybe the numbers are not top notch, i dont know the stats, but he would completely shut down his side of the field on nearly every play.
Make Yourself Heard
|
|
