Maryland took a second big hit at cornerback, losing starter Dexter McDougle for the rest of the season after he suffered a shoulder injury in a win over Connecticut.
The Terps already had lost Jeremiah Johnson, their other starting cornerback, for at least six weeks with a toe injury.
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McDougle (5-feet-10, 195 pounds) was in his third season as a starter and had started 27 consecutive games; he was one of the best seniors on a team that doesn't have many good seniors. McDougle was third on the team with 71 tackles last season.
McDougle had two picks, including one he returned for a touchdown, before being hurt against UConn. He redshirted as a true freshman, so his college career appears over.
Johnson is expected to return in mid-October. Until then, the Terps' starting corners will be senior Isaac Goins (5-11, 195) and true freshman Will Likely (5-7, 175). Despite a lack of size, Likely has played well thus far. He is aggressive, physical and fearless.
But depth now is a huge concern. Sophomore Alvin Hill (5-11, 200) becomes the third corner, but there aren't many experienced players at the position. The other backup is true freshman Jarrett Ross (5-9, 190). There also isn't that much experience at safety.
Maryland plays pass-happy West Virginia this week, and the Terps could be hard-pressed to field solid nickel and dime packages.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
