Statistics from Scrimmage No. 2
April 23, 2005
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -
University of Maryland defensive end Shawne Merriman was drafted by the San Diego Chargers with the 12th pick of today's National Football League draft, making him the first Terrapin since 1997 to be selected in the first round. Merriman's selection in the draft's opening round is the first of a Maryland player since Chad Scott was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers eight years ago.
"I couldn't be happier for Shawne, I am elated for him," head coach Ralph Friedgen said after today's Maryland scrimmage at Byrd Stadium. "Anytime you can be the No. 12 pick of the draft, that is a very big honor. You have to be real exceptional to go that high. He is going to make a lot of money and tell him I would love to have the Shawne Merriman Indoor Facility."
Merriman, who left the Terps a year early, finished his three-year career second on the school's all-time sack list with 22. He was a first team All-ACC selection a year ago finishing second on the team with 85 tackles while posting 17 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks, both among the league leaders.
With Merriman's selection, Maryland has now had 13 first round NFL picks in its history. At No. 12, Merriman's selection is the highest by a Terrapin since fellow defensive end Joe Campbell was selected with the seventh overall pick by the New Orleans Saints in 1977. The Terps' highest picks of all time were both No. 2 overall (DT Randy White by the Cowboys in 1975 and Jack Scarbath by the Redskins in 1953).
Last season, the Terrapins set a school record since the draft went to its current seven-round format as it had five players selected and 12 in NFL camps by August of 2004. The top two picks from last year, Madieu Williams (2nd round, Cincinnati) and Randy Starks (3rd round, Tennessee) were among the most impressive defensive rookies in last year's draft class.
Foxworth to the Broncos
Defensive teammate Domonique Foxworth will join Merriman in the AFC West, as he was selected in the third round by the Denver Broncos.
A three-plus year starter for the Terps, Foxworth was the 97th selection of the draft overall. He was All-ACC in each of the last three years and a second team All-American by The Sporting News in 2004.
