Top Terps

The Maryland Terrapins football program has a rich history dating back to 1892. Over the decades, the Terps have produced exceptional talent, with players earning accolades ranging from All-American honors to successful NFL careers.

From national championship contributors to Pro Football Hall of Famers, Maryland’s gridiron legacy boasts a roster of standout athletes who have left an indelible mark on college football and beyond. This article explores some of the best Maryland Terrapins football players of all time, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the program’s storied tradition.

Randy White: The Manster

No list of Maryland football greats is complete without Randy White, widely regarded as the program’s most accomplished player. A two-time All-American defensive tackle, White dominated the college game in the early 1970s. In 1974, his senior season, he earned unanimous consensus All-American honors while leading Maryland to an ACC championship. That year, he also won the Outland Trophy and Lombardi Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top lineman, and was named the ACC Player of the Year. His blend of strength, speed, and tenacity—later earning him the nickname "Manster" (half-man, half-monster)—made him a force on the field.

White’s NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys further cemented his legacy. Selected second overall in the 1975 NFL Draft, he played 14 seasons, appearing in three Super Bowls and winning one (Super Bowl XII). A nine-time Pro Bowler and 1994 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, White’s durability and dominance transcended his college achievements. At Maryland, he set the standard for excellence, making him a cornerstone of the program’s history.

Boomer Esiason: The Gunslinger

Boomer Esiason brought charisma and a cannon arm to the Terrapins’ quarterback position from 1981 to 1983. A four-year starter, Esiason showcased remarkable passing prowess, amassing 5,720 career passing yards—a mark that still ranks among the program’s best. His leadership guided Maryland to the 1983 ACC Championship, and his ability to read defenses and deliver precise throws downfield made him a fan favorite.

Drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 1984, Esiason enjoyed a stellar NFL career, highlighted by the 1988 NFL MVP award and a Super Bowl appearance. A four-time Pro Bowler, he remains one of the greatest left-handed quarterbacks in league history. At Maryland, Esiason’s competitive spirit and statistical achievements established him as one of the top signal-callers in Terps history, influencing generations of quarterbacks who followed.

Stan Jones: The Pioneer

Stan Jones, an All-American defensive tackle in the early 1950s, was a key figure in Maryland’s 1953 national championship season. Known for his innovative approach to strength training—he was among the first to use weightlifting to enhance his performance—Jones was a trailblazer on and off the field. His contributions helped the Terps achieve a perfect 10-0 record and claim the program’s only undisputed national title.

Selected in the fifth round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Jones transitioned to offensive line in the pros, where he excelled as a guard. Over 13 NFL seasons, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was part of the Bears’ 1963 championship team. Inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (2000) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991), Jones’ legacy at Maryland is defined by his championship pedigree and groundbreaking athletic preparation.

E.J. Henderson: The Linebacker Legend

E.J. Henderson redefined the linebacker position at Maryland from 1999 to 2002. A two-time first-team All-ACC selection, Henderson’s senior year in 2002 was extraordinary: he won the Chuck Bednarik Award and Dick Butkus Award, recognizing him as the nation’s top defensive player and linebacker, respectively. That season, he recorded 175 tackles, including 28 for loss, showcasing his sideline-to-sideline speed and relentless pursuit.

Drafted in the second round by the Minnesota Vikings in 2003, Henderson played nine NFL seasons, earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2011. At Maryland, his accolades and impact during the Terps’ resurgence under coach Ralph Friedgen—including an ACC title in 2001—solidify his place among the program’s elite. Henderson’s tenacity and leadership remain benchmarks for Maryland linebackers.

LaMont Jordan: The Workhorse

Running back LaMont Jordan powered the Maryland offense from 1997 to 2000, finishing his career as one of the program’s most prolific rushers. With 2,960 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns, Jordan’s blend of speed and physicality made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. His standout 1999 season saw him rush for 1,632 yards, earning first-team All-ACC honors and helping Maryland regain prominence in the conference.

Selected in the second round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Jordan played nine seasons in the league, primarily as a bruising backup. At Maryland, his ability to carry the load and break big runs established him as one of the top running backs in Terps history, embodying the program’s blue-collar ethos.

Vernon Davis: The Dynamic Tight End

Vernon Davis revolutionized the tight end position at Maryland from 2003 to 2005. A first-team All-American in 2005, Davis combined blazing speed (he ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash) with exceptional hands, finishing his college career with 1,371 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. His athleticism transformed the Terps’ passing game, making him a matchup nightmare.

Drafted sixth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2006, Davis enjoyed a 14-year NFL career, earning two Pro Bowl selections and winning Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos. At Maryland, his rare combination of size, speed, and skill set a new standard for tight ends, influencing the position’s evolution in college and pro football.

Jack Scarbath: The Early Star

Quarterback Jack Scarbath was a trailblazer for Maryland in the early 1950s. A unanimous All-American in 1952, he led the Terps to a 10-0 regular season and a Sugar Bowl appearance, finishing fourth in Heisman Trophy voting. His poise and playmaking ability under coach Jim Tatum elevated Maryland to national prominence.

Drafted in the first round by the Washington Redskins in 1953, Scarbath’s NFL career was brief, but his college achievements earned him a 1987 induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. As one of Maryland’s earliest stars, Scarbath laid the groundwork for future success.

Jermaine Lewis: The Return Specialist

Wide receiver and return specialist Jermaine Lewis dazzled at Maryland from 1992 to 1995, excelling as a multi-threat player. He set ACC records for punt return yardage and electrified crowds with his speed and elusiveness. His versatility helped Maryland remain competitive during a transitional period.

Drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in 1996, Lewis became one of the NFL’s premier returners, earning two Pro Bowl nods and a Super Bowl ring (XXXV). At Maryland, his knack for game-changing plays solidified his reputation as a dynamic talent.

Shawne Merriman: The Lights-Out Defender

Linebacker Shawne Merriman terrorized quarterbacks during his Maryland tenure from 2002 to 2004. Known for his explosive pass-rushing ability, Merriman recorded 17 sacks in his college career, earning first-team All-ACC honors in 2004. His “Lights Out” persona—complete with a signature dance—captivated fans and intimidated opponents.

Selected 12th overall by the San Diego Chargers in the 2005 NFL Draft, Merriman burst onto the scene, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year and leading the league with 17 sacks in 2006. A three-time Pro Bowler, his career was later hampered by injuries, but his Maryland impact remains undeniable. Merriman’s ferocity and flair made him a standout in Terps lore.

Honorable Mentions

The Terps’ history is replete with other notable talents: Frank Reich, who engineered a legendary comeback at Maryland before doing the same in the NFL; Dick Modzelewski, a 1952 All-American and NFL champion; and Taulia Tagovailoa, whose recent passing records have revitalized the program. Each contributed uniquely to Maryland’s legacy.

Conclusion

The best Maryland Terrapins football players span generations, from the national championship era of Stan Jones to the modern exploits of Vernon Davis and Shawne Merriman. Their accomplishments—All-American honors, national awards, and NFL stardom—reflect the program’s ability to produce elite talent. Whether dominating the trenches like Randy White or dazzling with skill like Boomer Esiason, these players embody the grit, flair, and resilience of Maryland football. As the Terps continue to evolve, their legacy endures through these gridiron giants.