Edsall is implementing move during the spring In recent years, the state of Maryland has produced more than its share of NFL linebackers. The list includes Julian Peterson, NaVorro Bowman, E.J. Henderson, Erin Henderson, Tommy Polley, Dhani Jones and Shawne Merriman, all of whom played at least high school ball in the state.
Each took the traditional route to the pros, playing the position in high school and college.
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Taking the road less travelled but with perhaps the same destination is University of Maryland junior Kenny Tate, who will shift from safety to outside linebacker. The crash course begins Tuesday when the Terrapins open spring practice under new coach Randy Edsall.
A position change is unusual for a player entering his final season. It’s rarer still for one who was chosen All-ACC first team as he led the Terps in forced fumbles (four) and ranked second in tackles (100), tackles for a loss (8.5), sacks (3.5) and interceptions (three).
According to Edsall, the change will not be dramatic.
“When you watch the tape of Kenny from a year ago, almost 90 percent of the time he was playing down,” Edsall said. “He wasn’t playing in the deep half.”
At 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, Tate has the size to move closer to the line, where he will have to take on larger blockers. Tate will play the “STAR” position in Maryland’s new defensive system.
It is another role change for Tate, who was recruited to play wide receiver but shifted to safety before his freshman season. As a sophomore, Tate struggled as a jack-of-all trades, playing safety, outside linebacker and even taking snaps at defensive end. Last year, with a more defined role, he blossomed.
“When you look at his abilities, he’s better suited to being a linebacker for his future,” Edsall said.
Other Maryland linebackers on the move are junior Demetrius Hartsfield (6-2, 235), who shifts from the outside to the middle, and promising sophomore David Mackall, who shifts to defensive end.
“My philosophy is to get the 11 best guys on the field — offensively, defensively and special teams,” Edsall said. “We felt David was one of the 11 best guys we had on defense. That move got us faster.”
