Middle linebacker -- known as the "mike" position at UMD -- has always been the money position on Ralph Friedgen's team. EJ Henderson (pictured right) tore it up his years there, ending with the Butkus Award, Bednarik Award, and he was the ACC Defensive Player of the year. Then he was drafted by the Vikings, where unfortunately he's been disappointing.
No one thought anyone could fill that void. Then D'Quell Jackson comes in. He's Defensive Player of the Year. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns where I believe he's going to have a great year under defensive head coach Romeo Crennell.
Hopefully, people will know not to worry about filling the middle linebacker role this year. If you don't know anything about the new man, Wesley Jefferson, the Washtington Post has given us a little introduction.
Turns out he plays the piano, but more impressively, plays it blindfolded. In fact, he plays better blindfolded. I was hoping to find a story about him practicing football blindfolded as well, but no such luck.
Jefferson spent his last two seasons at outside linebacker. He had the most tackles for a non-starter last year and he's excited for the move to Maryland's money spot. Ralph Friedgen complimented his character and his gameplay and Friedgen is a hard man who isn't easy to please. Friedgen calls him "low maintence" which is more than you can say for those players that end up being suspended.
With two seasons to play the "mike" position we should look forward to seeing what Jefferson can do. Although he expressed an interest to being a state trooper after his college career is over, if he's anything like the last two who played middle linebacker, he may have to put that on hold ... for the NFL.
