Maryland Terrapins Defensive Players To Watch vs. Ohio State

Maryland Terrapins defensive coordinator Brian Williams is entering his fifth year on staff in College Park, MD. and his third at his current position.

Williams helped coach the unit to shave off 46.4 yards and 7.5 points per game. The Terrapins allowed 223.3 passing yards per game and a 117.54 passer rating which ranked 10th and sixth, respectively, in the Big Ten, but this season they will look to replace first- and fourth-round draft picks in cornerbacks Deonte Banks and Jakorian Bennett.

Here's who Maryland will likely lean on on the defensive side of the ball when it plays Ohio State Buckeyes in Columbus Oct. 7.

CB Ja'Quan Sheppard

Last season, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was held to five catches for 68 yards on 10 targets by Banks. However, Harrison had a one-handed 29-yard reception to open the game against Banks.

Despite this being his first year at Maryland, cornerback Ja'Quan Sheppard will be graciously welcomed to the Big Ten by getting assigned to Harrison.

Sheppard earned First Team All-American Athletic Conference honors 50 total tackles, 4.5 of which were for loss, one sack and 10 pass break-ups in 12 games.

SAF Beau Brade

Safety Beau Brade led the Terrapins with 85 tackles and tied with Bennett with two interceptions in 2022.

Brade roams around the back end of the Terrapins' secondary flying around to the ball while also playing deep in center field in coverage, which will be pertinent facing a potent Ohio State receiving corps.

Harrison, Emeka Egbuka, Julian Fleming, Jayden Ballard and Carnell Tate are all capable of posing a vertical downfield threat, which will require Brade to play solid coverage over the top.

Brade was responsible for breaking up five passes and forcing two fumbles, the latter of which was tied for a team high in 2022.

LB Jaishawn Barham

Jaishawn Barham was everything in a linebacker for Maryland a season ago, stopping the run, rushing the passer and playing solid in coverage.

Barham has the most sacks and tackles for loss of any returning Terrapin defender with four and 6.5, respectively.

Pro Football Focus had the District Heights, MD. native as one of the Big Ten's best linebackers last season, as his his 83.1 coverage grade was second in the conference, his 78.5 defense grade was seventh, his 71.0 pass rush grade was ninth and his 72.8 rush defense grade was 18th.

Barham will have his hands full Oct. 7 with Ohio State's running back room of TreVeyon Henderson, Miyan Williams and Dallan Hayden among others, while also likely having to account for tight end Cade Stover on passing plays.

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