Testudo Times - All Posts

Women's Lacrosse - Maryland Defeats Syracuse, Advances to Championship Game

2013-05-25T20:19:54Z

The Maryland Women's lacrosse team advanced to their 19th National Title game on Friday after defeating Syracuse 11-10 in Philadelphia. The women will take on North Carolina at 8:00 PM Sunday on ESPNU, another Maryland vs. ACC battle.

Maryland was in control for most of the game, but Syracuse came out firing in the second half, scoring two quick goals to pull within one at 7-6. The Terps answered just over a minute later when sophomore Kelly McPartland scored two consecutive goals, pushing their lead back up to three at 9-6.

Syracuse (18-5) wouldn't go away. The Orange scored four straight goals, taking a 10-9 lead with 18:31 left. But Kelly McPartland scored again for Maryland to tie the game at 10, which is where the score would stay for the next 14 minutes. With 2:51 left, redshirt sophomore Brooke Griffin scored the final goal of the game, securing Maryland's 22nd win of the season and a ticket to the national title game.

The Women's Lacrosse team will try to complete their perfect season tomorrow, as they pay for their 12th National Championship. They haven't lost since May 25, 2012, when they fell to Nothwestern in the semi-finals. Be sure to check it out tomorrow night.

Signing off

2013-05-24T13:30:05Z

It was nearly five years ago that I (soon joined by Dave Tucker, Ben Goldstein, and Pete Volk) launched Testudo Times, to little fanfare and less audience. But over the years, our little-traveled corner of the internet became more and more heavily trafficked, and before long TT was a bona fide destination - a place fans could come, and knew to come, for high-quality Maryland news, analysis, and interaction. And in doing so it grew into a place I couldn't be prouder to have helped to build.

Today, half a decade later, with a bit of sadness but no little pride, I leave it, hanging up my keyboard, stepping aside, and heading to pastures new.

Sentimentality and especially goodbyes have never really been my thing, so I'll keep this short. But I have genuinely loved nearly every second I've spent helping to build Testudo Times into what it is today, especially those spent interacting with other fans - who never fail to surprise in their insight, industry, and, certainly if nothing else, passion. The results weren't always enjoyable - thanks, Randy - but the ride always was. For that, I thank all of you, who truly helped to make the site what it is, as well as Dave, Pete, and Ben for providing quality content and SBNation for providing a platform second-to-none in the blogging business.

Pete and Dave will take over as full-time co-managers of Testudo Times from here on, a succession I couldn't be more pleased with. The site requires, and indeed the community deserves, a level of passion and commitment that I wasn't any longer able to reach - after all, my mission as Jim Delany's covert agent to coordinate a B1G move is complete - but which they have in bunches. I'm confident they'll continue the tradition of TT being a place to find thoughtful, interesting, and timely news and analysis (not to mention, of course, multiple false dawn references, uniform fashionistism, and obsession over dual-threat quarterbacks).

While I'm moving on, I'll be around from time to time - after all, even with the stereotypically poor timing of any Maryland fan, I couldn't stand to miss Mark Turgeon's rise, Stefon Diggs' transcendence, and the transition to the B1G. Fun times are coming, and I couldn't be happier to have created a place where people can experience them. Hold down the fort for me.

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Brock Dean

2013-05-24T12:00:10Z

ONLINE COUNTDOWN

Today we cover one of two promising redshirt freshmen at the inside linebacking position.

Brock Dean, Freshman (RS), Inside Linebacker, #42

via grfx.cstv.com

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 210

Twitter: Couldn't find any

Collegiate Stats: N/A

High School Stats: 92 tackles (50 assisted), seven sacks, two fumbles forced, two fumbles recovered, one pass breakup, one interception, one rushing touchdown

Recruiting Ratings: Three stars by Rivals (#37 in Pa.), 24/7 (#48 in Pa., #115 OLB), ESPN (#26 in Pa., #72 OLB), two stars by Scout (#62 MLB)

High School: Bishop McDevitt

Hometown: Harrsburg, Pa.

High School Highlights:

How'd He Get to College Park?

A two-time all-state selection in high school, Brock Dean was one of the top linebackers in the state of Pennsylvania during his high school years, and helped lead the Crusaders to two straight appearances in the state finals.

Dean received scholarship offers from Pittsburgh, Temple, and Maryland, but it was the recruiting work of Greg Gattuso that got him to be a Terp. Gattuso originally recruited Dean at Pitt, and he brought his expertise of Western PA with him to College Park, as well as a few prized recruits - including Dean and Quinton Jefferson.

Dean was impressed by the coaching staff at Maryland, as well as the business program at College Park, and he committed to the Terps in late June of last year. During the recruiting process, Randy Edsall told Dean he was hoping the linebacker could be a four-year starter in College Park, and while that's not looking to be the case, the opportunity is certainly there for him to make an impact up the middle.

Last year, Dean redshirted. He was named scout team defensive player of the week once, and made three different travel rosters.

Nickname:

"Brock of Ages"

Career Highlight:

Two straight state title games

Dream Season:

Along side fellow redshirt freshman Abner Logan, Dean becomes one of the primary back-ups on the inside, setting him up for a starting position in two years.

2013 Prospectus:

With the switch to the 3-4 last year, Maryland's inside linebackers play a more important role than ever before. At the top, the Terps thankfully have two solid and experienced contributors in Cole Farrand and L.A. Goree, with senior Bradley Johnson as a viable third option. But it's the two redshirt freshmen, Logan and Dean, who may show the most promise.

We'll talk about Logan later, but Dean was a big-time prospect and big-time player coming out of Pennsylvania two years ago, with buckets of talent and a great sense of the game. After redshirting his first year, it looks like Farrand and Goree will be entrenched at the starting positions for the next two seasons (barring a position change for Goree back out to the outside), meaning that Dean and Logan have to make the best out of a back-up situation for now. Both could make a serious mark on special teams, but with the pressures of the 3-4, the two starters will certainly need relief at times, especially against some of the faster-paced offenses. That's when Logan and likely Dean will be called upon, as two young, talented defenders who are the future of the program's defense.

Up Next:

Our next player went to a school that is one letter away from a Big East basketball-only program.

Maryland1206 breaks the second-place logjam.

Standings:

ClickClack62 - 6
Maryland1206 - 4
curterp - 3
Scaletta - 3
Redturtle - 2
802Terp - 2
thirstyturtlelives - 2
UATerp - 2
proudterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1
apgibson24 - 1
Seaville81 -1

Maryland Minute - 5.23.13 - Barton Decision Sunday, Maryland v. ACC Today

2013-05-23T13:30:06Z

Antonio Barton expected to announce his choice Sunday - baltimoresun.com
Antonio Barton will announce his decision after church this Sunday on where he intends to play next season. Hopefully it's Maryland, but I'm a little worried about Tennessee and that he's making this announcement shortly after visiting there.

Documents from the upcoming ACC-Maryland dismissal hearing
Maryland vs. ACC legal battle has a court date today, this time involving Maryland's counter antitrust action to dismiss the ACC's lawsuit in North Carolina, which of course the ACC is trying to get dismissed. You can read all 186+ pages of the motions or just wait until after the hearing when we'll have our legal expert, Matt Royack, weigh in.

What Theo Pinson To North Carolina Means For The Terps - Terrapin Station - A Maryland Terrapins Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and more.
Great piece by Mike Willis at Terrapin Station discussing how Theo Pinson's commitment to UNC could impact Maryland's recruiting of SG Dion Wiley.

Here’s Alex Len pressing buttons on a giant board
Len might be recovering from his surgery, but he's still training for the NBA, including utilizing a vision training machine. LEN SMASH!

Syracuse University Athletics - SU Meets No. 1 Terps in National Semis
The Syracuse folks preview their upcoming match-up with Maryland's #1 Women's Lacrosse team tomorrow.

Maryland women’s lacrosse prepares for Final Four
Nice non-revenue wrap up.

My best Terps' predictions and one clunker - baltimoresun.com
Jeff Barker reflects back on his 2012 predictions for basketball. He was pretty spot on for Len's output.

Maryland Terrapins Basketball Recruiting: DC Assault Report
Paywall, but if you have an IMS subscription, great piece by Jakob Engelke on Maryland's building of a DC Assault Pipeline.

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Clarence Murphy

2013-05-23T12:00:05Z

ONLINE COUNTDOWN

Today we cover a former defensive end from Florida.

Clarence Murphy, Junior (RS), Outside Linebacker, #98

via grfx.cstv.com

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 245

Twitter: Couldn't find any

Collegiate Stats: Three tackles (all assisted) in three games

High School Stats: 75 tackles, 12 sacks, three deflected passes

Recruiting Ratings: Three stars by Rivals (#94 in Fla.), Scout (#84 DE), ESPN (#92 DE)

High School: Hollywood Hills

Hometown: Hollywood, Fla.

High School Highlights:

How'd He Get to College Park?

Murphy was thought to be a package deal with star teammate and cornerback Tony Grimes coming out of high school, and there was a time where it looked like they would go to Michigan together. However, Murphy committed to Maryland thanks to Don Brown, and Grimes ended up at Ole Miss.

Murphy chose Maryland because they were the first big school to recruit him, and he soon became very comfortable with Brown and Dave Sollazzo, who are no longer with the program. Other schools to offer the defensive linemen included Michigan, South Florida, and Wisconsin.

After his great senior season, in which he led Broward County in sacks, he was named first team all-County and played in the 2010 USA vs. The World game. He is also a super hero:

"We had an incident where a car overturned in a canal," [coach Scott] Barnwell said. "[Murphy] was with me and helped me rescue a baby and two people trapped in the car. There was a 2-year old in the car seat. The door had broken through and the car seat became wedged. On the other side, there was a lady unconscious in the water. It was kind of a nightmare — I can’t even tell you. But [Murphy] completely ripped the car door right off that was trapped. I don’t know how he did it, but he did it. It’s a wonderful thing that he did. That’s the kind of kid [Maryland is] getting in the program."

Murphy redshirted in 2010, and entered the 2011 season on top of the depth chart at one of the two defensive end positions. Instead, fellow Floridian freshman Keith Bowers got the nod, and Murphy played in just two games - recording one tackle against Miami and two versus Temple. He was two time defensive scout team player of the week.

Before spring practice last year, Murphy was moved from defensive end to outside linebacker. He played in just one game, the season finale against North Carolina, but was twice named scout team defensive player of the week.

Nickname:

"Boddicker"

Career Highlight:

Recording two tackles against Temple as a redshirt freshman.

Dream Season:

Murphy beats out Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil and receives some playing time as a back-up.

2013 Prospectus:

Clarence Murphy is slotted third at WILL, but with Yannick Ngakoue and Derrick Hayward coming in at the position, it's a little more stacked than it might first appear. Murphy, surprisingly, is behind Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil on the depth chart, a Division II transfer who we'll cover later. Seeing as Murphy played just one game last year, however, perhaps it isn't so much of a shock.

Murphy's hope this year is to beat out Cudjoe-Virgil and Hayward - and the latter seems very likely (while the former could be a toss-up). However, Marcus Whitfield, if healthy, could be firmly entrenched as the starter at WILL, and Yannick Ngakoue is one of the best defensive players to come into the program in recent memory. He could start from day one, and if that's the case it's nearly impossible to see Murphy getting any playing time at all over his last two years.

Up Next:

Our next player went to the same high school as one of the top running backs in the NFL (who plays professionally in that same state).

Scaletta continues the climb up the charts.

Standings:

ClickClack62 - 6
curterp - 3
Maryland1206 - 3
Scaletta - 3
Redturtle - 2
802Terp - 2
thirstyturtlelives - 2
UATerp - 2
proudterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1
apgibson24 - 1
Seaville81 -1

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: - Yannick Ngakoue

2013-05-22T12:00:10Z

ONLINE COUNTDOWN

Today we cover arguably Maryland's biggest 2013 recruit:

Yannick Ngakoue, Freshman, Linebacker

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 240

Twitter: @yan_d1prospect

Collegiate Stats: N/A

High School Stats: 17 sacks, 2 fumbles returned for TDs

Recruiting Ratings: Four stars by Rivals (#4 position, #1 in D.C., #88 National), 24/7 (#12 ILB, #3 in D.C.), Three star by Scout (#19 MLB), and ESPN (#3 in DC, #30 MLB)

High School: Friendship Collegiate Academy

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

How'd He Get to College Park?

Like Jermaine Carter and Cavon Walker, Yannick Ngakoue transferred to Friendship Collegiate, in his case from Carroll. Yannick was the most sought after of that trio, receiving offers from just about every major college program out there. That's why several Maryland fans panicked after he committed to the Terps and then reopened his commitment this past September.

Fortunately for Maryland fans, Ngakoue faxed in his LOI to play for the Terps, and ended up as one of the centerpiece recruits in the 2013 class. He should fit in well in Maryland's 3-4 scheme and will be an instant threat from the edge, as his ability to reach the QB is arguably one of his biggest strengths.

Nickname:

Unknown

(EDIT BY PETE: Batman. He's one of the SuperFriends).

High School Highlights:

Career Highlight:

Committing to Maryland.

Dream Season:

Starting from day 1, making All-ACC Freshman team, recording 4 sacks.

2013 Prospectus:

At Maryland, Yannick should slot into the 3-4 at WILL, acting as the designated pass-rusher. This is good, because he needs to work on his ability to drop into coverage and improve on stopping the run up the middle, but coming off the edge is probably his biggest strength heading into Maryland, something you'll notice on his highlight film.

Yannick will be competing with Marcus Whitfield and Yannick Cudjoe-Virgil at WILL, but I wouldn't be surprised if Yannick plays a lot of downs, even in the early going. When you watch him on film, he shows a great ability to get to the quarterback and that's a skill that should help get and keep him on the field throughout the season. He could end up starting, but at least initially, I think you'll see him in there on third and long plays, gradually getting more snaps as he refines his ability to drop into coverage, a necessary skill for someone who's playing in that WILL position.

Up Next:

Our next player's hometown and high school both share an iconic city name, but aren't located in the state where that particular city is well-known.

Scaletta now has two.

Standings:

ClickClack62 - 6
curterp - 3
Maryland1206 - 3
Redturtle - 2
802Terp - 2

Scaletta - 2

thirstyturtlelives - 2
UATerp - 2
proudterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1
apgibson24 - 1
Seaville81 -1

Maryland Minute 5.17.13- Competition for Antonio Barton and Women's Lacrosse Advances to Final Four

2013-05-20T12:38:39Z

Terps have some competition for Antonio Barton from Tennessee - baltimoresun.com
"It appears now that the Terps have some new competition for Barton from Tennessee. Barton was in Knoxville "Wednesday or Thursday," according to a source."

Tennessee, eh? Barton going to Tennessee would be....surprising to me, to say the least. Maryland is better in almost every category for Barton (better basketball school/conference, better exposure, closer to home), so I'd be shocked if this happened. But I've also learned to never be shocked by the decisions of college kids.

#TourneyTerps Advance to Final Four
Congrats to the Women's Lacrosse team, who punched their ticket to their fifth-straight Final Four after defeating Duke on Saturday, 14-9. The Lady Terps will take on Syracuse Friday at 7:30 at Villanova Stadium, so go check them out if you're in the area.

Terps Trio: Big Ten schedule, previously scheduled games, road trips - Baltimore Sun
Baltimore Sun reporters Don Markus and Jeff Barker and editor Matt Bracken weigh in on the three biggest topics of the past week in Maryland sports: 2014 schedule announced Thursday by the Big Ten, non-conference football games, & the four Big Ten road trips on tap for Maryland in 2014.

Terps' Edsall to rally fans in Ocean City | The Daily Times | delmarvanow.com
In case you hadn't seen, the Maryland Athletic Department is doing another round of those state-wide "Coaches Caravan" this summer. I think they're fantastic, get fans engaged and help building the Maryland brand across the state, from Ocean City (where this one is taking place) out to Western Maryland.

Terps Rally, Win on Senior Day
The Maryland baseball team closed out their season with a 5-4 win over Boston College on Saturday.

Preakness 2013 - Baltimore Sun
"...along with Maryland folks like Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver; Mark Turgeon, University of Maryland basketball coach; and Sasho Cirovski, University of Maryland soccer coach." Greivis Vasquez was also in attendance. Sounds like Kevin Plank had a pretty happening Under Armour tent going on at Preakness.

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Cavon Walker

2013-05-18T18:23:38Z

ONLINE COUNTDOWN

Today we cover another one of the incoming Friendship Recruits.

Cavon Walker, Freshman, Linebacker

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 210

Twitter: @BeatinTheOdds

Collegiate Stats: N/A

High School Stats: Can not find any

Recruiting Ratings: Three stars by Rivals, 24/7 (#44 Weakside Defensive End), Scout (#85 OLB), and ESPN (#8 in MD, #55 ILB)

High School: Friendship Collegiate Academy

Hometown: Washington, D.C.

High School Highlights:

How'd He Get to College Park?

Like Jermaine Carter, Cavon Walker transferred to Friendship Collegiate (in his case, from Dunbar) in a hope to win a championship. Right before his junior year began, he fractured his foot, causing him to miss the season (it's why the highlight video above is of his sophomore campaign). His senior year, he got that championship.

Walker committed to Maryland with a group of fellow SuperFriends, but he was a Terp all the way (not even listing a runner-up school). He also received offers from NC State, Houston, Purdue and New Mexico. He played a lot of defensive end in high school (at least at Dunbar) but looks to play a linebacker position in college, and was named second-team All-Met by the Washington Post last year.

Nickname:

"Robin"

Career Highlight:

Committing to Maryland.

Dream Season:

Walker redshirts, but sets himself up as the probable starter at SAM in two years.

2013 Prospectus:

Looking at that highlight tape from two years ago, you can tell just how explosive Cavon Walker is off the edge. He's got a ton of speed, and enough strength to play on the line, even at the high school level. He's likely to slot in at SAM - so here we have a former defensive end going to the more defensive-back-minded of Maryland's two outside linebacker spots.

Currently at SAM, Matt Robinson is listed as the starter, with Alex Twine as his back-up and Avery Thompson as the third stringer. Maryland has a load of linebackers coming in this season (as we've seen so far in this series, and we're not done yet), but Walker, often a forgotten commodity with the commitments of Ngakoue and Gray taking front Friendship stage, is a very good prospect that should make quite an impact in College Park. Unlike some of the other linebackers Maryland has coming in, Walker's not too fair off from his ideal weight (Robinson and Twine are both at 230), and he's got some excellent pass rushing skills off the edge.

Up Next:

Our next player shares his first name with a former French tennis player whose son is a professional athlete in a different sport.

UATerp now has two.

Standings:

ClickClack62 - 6
curterp - 3
Maryland1206 - 3
Redturtle - 2
802Terp - 2
thirstyturtlelives - 2
UATerp - 2
proudterp - 1
terpsfinish - 1
KHemer - 1
apgibson24 - 1
Seaville81 -1
Scaletta - 1

Testudo Times - All Posts

Women's Lacrosse - Maryland Defeats Syracuse, Advances to Championship Game

Signing off

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Brock Dean

Brock Dean, Freshman (RS), Inside Linebacker, #42

How'd He Get to College Park?

Career Highlight:

Dream Season:

Up Next:

Maryland Minute - 5.23.13 - Barton Decision Sunday, Maryland v. ACC Today

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Clarence Murphy

Clarence Murphy, Junior (RS), Outside Linebacker, #98

How'd He Get to College Park?

Career Highlight:

Dream Season:

Up Next:

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: - Yannick Ngakoue

Yannick Ngakoue, Freshman, Linebacker

How'd He Get to College Park?

High School Highlights: Career Highlight:

Dream Season:

Up Next:

Maryland Minute 5.17.13- Competition for Antonio Barton and Women's Lacrosse Advances to Final Four

Profiles In Terpage - A Countdown to the Football Season: Cavon Walker

Cavon Walker, Freshman, Linebacker

How'd He Get to College Park?

Career Highlight:

Dream Season:

Up Next:

High School Highlights:

Career Highlight: