George Wallace, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Another day, another major shakeup involving the University of Maryland football team. Three more players have decided to leave Coach Randy Edsall and the program, putting the number at 12 since the end of last season.
And if you’re keeping track at home … since January of 2011, the total number of lost players is 24.
Quarterback Danny O’Brien, offensive lineman Max Garcia and linebacker Mario Rowson were granted their releases Monday.
The rumors about O’Brien surfaced at the end of last season. He was never really comfortable in Edsall’s offense, which is a shame, considering the quarterback was the ACC Rookie of the Year in 2010 under Ralph Friedgen.
He started seven of the nine games he played in last season completing 150 of 266 passes for 1,648 yards with seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He had 4,086 yards during his two years.
“I’m disappointed in Danny’s decision,” Edsall said. “Danny told me that he’s not committed to our program. That he’s not all in. I want what’s best for all of our players. Danny wants a fresh start elsewhere. I wish him well.”
O’Brien is set to graduate this spring. If that happens, he can transfer to another Football Bowl Subdivision school and play immediately.
Garcia, a sophomore, started all 12 games at left tackle in 2011.
“After two seasons in College Park, Max is still homesick,” Edsall said. “He wants to transfer to a school closer to home (Norcross, Ga.), so his family can see him play.”
Rowson played in 11 games, including four starts, as a redshirt freshman in 2011 with 27 tackles.
The latest news kills the buzz that was generated last week when Stefon Diggs committed to Maryland.
The road has been bumpy for Edsall as he tries to turn the Maryland football program around. With only two wins on the board last year and the continued loss of players, he has a long way to go in convincing everyone that he is the right man for this job.
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