Over the past two weeks, I have previewed the offensive tackles and offensive guards who will be on Maryland’s roster this season. This week, I’ll wrap up my offensive line previews by taking a look at the team’s two centers. This preview also wraps up the offensive positional previews, which means that I’ll begin previewing the defense shortly.
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2016 Terps Season Preview: The Series
Quarterbacks: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-season-preview-quarterbacks/
Running Backs: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-season-preview-running-backs/
Wide Receivers: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-wide-receivers/
Tight Ends: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-tight-ends/
Offensive Tackles: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-offensive-tackles
Offensive Guards: https://baltimoresportsandlife.com/2016-terps-season-preview-offensive-guards
Brendan Moore (Redshirt Sophomore)
2016 Projection: Starter
2015 Statistics: 7 games played (1 start)
Despite coming to College Park as a borderline 3-star recruit, Moore has garnered a ton of pre-season hype for what will be his first year as a starter. He was recently named to the 2016 Rimington Trophy Spring Watch List, which is given to the nation’s best center. He has consistently impressed the team’s coaching staff in practice, with some even musing that he might force Mulrooney to guard last season.
I have projected Moore to serve as the team’s starting center for the 2016 season. While many of the spots on the offensive line are up for grabs, the center spot is all but decided for him. This year is just the first of a few very good ones for Moore.
Joe Marchese (Redshirt Junior)
2016 Projection: Second-Team
2015 Statistics: None
Marchese has seen time both on the offensive line and at long snapper for the Terrapins in his 3 years with the program, but it looks like he’ll be competing for time at center this season. He has only seen the field in one game in his career.
I have projected Marchese to serve as Moore’s backup this season. While the center position is a bit thin, there are other players who could potentially slide over to center if necessary (Quarvez Boulware would be the most likely candidate).
Terps Analyst
Zack is a financial analyst for a defense contractor in Washington, DC. The Owings Mills native focuses most of his efforts on Maryland Football recruiting and individual coach and player pieces; but also covers Terps Basketball. He has established relationships with Big Ten beat reporters across the conference, which he utilizes in his game previews. Now a Sr. Terps Analyst for BSL, Zack can be reached at: zack.kiesel@baltimoresportsandlife.com.