Terrapin O-Line Draws Recognition
12/13/2001 7:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 13, 2001
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - In the world of football, the hard-working players who get it done in the trenches of the offensive line usually go unnoticed when it comes to recognition by the media and the public. But when it comes to recognition in 2001 for the University of Maryland team and its normally unsung heroes on the line, one can only say "when it rains, it pours."
This season, four of the Terrapins' five starting offensive linemen have drawn acclaim for their work on the playing field. Senior Melvin Fowler, juniors Todd Wike and Matt Crawford and freshman C.J. Brooks have all had noteworthy recognition heaped their way this year, a season that has seen unprecedented attention given to the Terp program.
Fowler, a native of Wheatly Heights, N.Y., was a first team All-ACC selection and was named a finalist for the Dave Rimington Trophy, which is given to the nation's top center. (The award was given last week to Ohio State's LeCharles Bentley). Fowler started all 44 games of his career at Maryland.
Wike, who starts alongside Fowler at left guard, was also named first team All-ACC for his play while garnering more recognition for his work in the classroom. A philosophy/pre-law major with a 3.52 grade point average, Wike was also named -- along with teammate C.J. Feldheim -- as a first team 2001 Verizon Academic All-District pick.
After suffering a knee injury in 2000, many questioned whether or not Crawford would be able to make it back and be effective for the Terrapins this year. The junior not only answered that question (he started all 11 games this year), but he was also very effective from the tackle spot and garnered attention as the recipient of the Brian Piccolo Award from the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Piccolo Award is given to the player deemed "most courageous" in the conference.
In addition to the accolades of the three veterans of the line, freshman C.J. Brooks was named third team freshman All-American by the Sporting News. Brooks started all 11 games at left tackle and successfully helped protect QB Shaun Hill's blind side.
The most encouraging fact in regards to the offensive line is that, with the exception of Fowler, all starting offensive linemen and their backups will return next year. Sophomore Lamar Bryant will return at the guard spot opposite Wike and the Terps and o-line coach Tom Brattan will need only to find a replacement for Fowler.
The Terps put the wraps on their successful 2001 season on January 2 in the 2002 FedEx Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla.
