Throughout Maryland's game at Michigan Nov. 5, youth and inexperience were prevalent for the Terps on the defensive side of the ball, where Maryland has struggled badly during Big Ten play. Most notably, Maryland's depth has been tested in the defensive backfield, given the absence of key starters.
Injuries to senior Denzel Conyers, who suffered a torn ACL against Central Florida Sept. 17, and sophomore Darnell Savage Jr., who suffered a leg injury against Michigan State Oct. 22, left holes at safety. Junior defensive back Josh Woods -- who played mostly special teams before this year -- and freshman defensive back Qwuantrezz Knight have filled in for Conyers and Savage, respectively. But little-used senior defensive back Jarrett Ross got some run against Indiana Oct. 29, when Woods struggled.
Senior cornerback Will Likely tore an ACL against Minnesota Oct. 15, leaving a hole at the nickel spot. Sophomore defensive back RaVon Davis and freshman defensive back Elijah Daniels have filled in for Likely. Elsewhere on defense, Maryland is trying to work in talented, younger players like sophomore defensive back JC Jackson, freshman defensive back (and former wide receiver) Tino Ellis, freshman linebacker Brett Shepherd and sophomore defensive lineman Brett Kulka.
