COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Senior wide receiver Levern Jacobs has returned to the Maryland football team's spring workouts with a new perspective on football.

The Temple Hills, Md., native missed the 2014 season due to suspension, but remained on the roster as a scout team player. Jacobs honed his skills on the practice gridiron, gaining a new appreciation for the work of the scout team and his teammates.

“It was definitely tough for me to come out every Saturday and just watch my teammates play,” Jacobs said. “I knew it would be selfish of me if I didn't fight every day in practice and help my teammates get better. That was my main focus and it kept me motivated.”

Head coach Randy Edsall commended Jabobs for his commitment to the program despite his relegation to the practice squad.

“I have a lot of admiration for Levern because of the fact that he really busted his tail on the scout team,” Edsall said. “He ended up making himself better last year even though he wasn't playing in games because of the approach he took to say 'ok I can't play, but I can get better and I can help my teammates be better in terms of how hard I go and everything else.' You can see the difference in him because of that approach and how hard he worked.”

Jacobs is just one year removed from a breakout season in 2013, when he led the Terrapins in receptions (47) and receiving yards (640) as a sophomore. He used the time on the practice squad to better himself and others.

“I think I am better at getting in and out of my routes,” Jacobs said. “I've been trying to be more coachable and learning all my plays so that the coaches can play me anywhere they want.”

Jacobs' progression into the 2015 season remains to be seen, but Edsall has high hopes for the wideout.

“I think he has the chance to be an outstanding receiver for us this year,” Edsall said.

Maryland will play its annual Red-White Spring game April 11 at 1 p.m.