For the last two years, Da’Rel Scott and Davin Meggett have been solid threats out of the backfield for the Maryland Terrapins, both capable of going the distance when they break into the open field.
As for tough yards between the tackles, that hasn’t been their strong suit.
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On Saturday at Virginia, the Terrapins might have found their man for the job as freshman D.J. Adams scored three touchdowns in a 42-23 win.
Adams’ performance keyed Maryland’s success in the red zone. Six trips inside the 20-yard line produced 42 points.
“He runs extremely hard,” Maryland offensive coordinator James Franklin said. “We’re still using him in packages because he’s still a young guy, growing.”
Adams’ stats weren’t great. He rushed 13 times for 37 yards. But the Terps were thrilled with his straight-ahead style and knack for conversion.
Twice on fourth-and-1, Maryland handed the ball to Adams off-tackle. One produced a first down, the other a touchdown. Adams also converted a third-and-1 and third-and-2.
“Coaches drill into me know where those chains are,” Adams said.
Adams’ path was cleared by 6-foot-2, 320-pound sophomore defensive tackle Zach Kerr, who took on a new role Saturday as a lead-blocking fullback in short yardage.
“It was just amazing to see a guy get out of the way because Zach Kerr was coming through the hole,” Adams said.
