Linebacker Jefferson Ashiru sacks West Virginia quarterback Skyler Howard during the Terps’ 45-6 loss to West Virginia in Morgantown, West Virginia, on Sept. 26, 2015.
The Terrapins football team’s defense lost two starters to season-ending injuries, coach Randy Edsall announced Saturday.
Outside linebacker Jefferson Ashiru, a graduate transfer from Connecticut, suffered an ankle injury Saturday in a 28-0 loss to No. 22 Michigan and is out for the year.
Sophomore defensive tackle David Shaw, meanwhile, missed Saturday’s game with an elbow injury, and after the contest, Edsall said he won’t play again this season.
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Ashiru’s backup, freshman Brett Zanotto, also hurt his ankle and will likely be sidelined for a couple weeks, Edsall said.
With Zanotto out, starting outside linebacker Jalen Brooks switched from the SAM to the WILL position and Avery Thompson assumed the starting SAM spot.
Defensive tackle Azubuike Ukandu made his first career start Saturday in place of Shaw, and defensive end Roman Braglio moved inside at times, as well. In the second half, Ukandu was shaken up but walked off the field under his own power. He was replaced by freshman Mbi Tanyi. Edsall did not provide a post-game update on Ukandu.
Prior to Saturday, the Terps had already taken a hit at outside linebacker. Before the season started, projected starter Abner Logan suffered a season-ending ACL injury, which opened the door for Ashiru to start.
