Two Terrapin football defensive linemen have opted to graduate this May instead of returning next season, a team spokesman confirmed last night.
Redshirt juniors Ian Davidson and Derek Drummond will not use their fifth year of eligibility next fall, freeing up two scholarships for new coach Randy Edsall one week before the team announces its new recruiting class.
Davidson, a native of Alexandria, Va., played in four games last season, making four total tackles. The defensive tackle never made a big impact for the Terps, appearing in two games in 2009 and finishing with six career tackles. He was named scout team defensive player of the week as a freshman in 2007 and redshirted the following season.
After a promising start to his career, Drummond did not appear on field once for the Terps last season. After redshirting in 2007, the McDonough High School graduate appeared in four games and made one start in 2008 before moving from linebacker to defensive end. Drummond played all 12 games during the 2009 season, making 16 total tackles.
The Terp defense will lose four starters to graduation this year but returns a strong group that features safety Kenny Tate, linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield and defensive tackles A.J. Francis and Joe Vellano.
ceckard@umdbk.com
