Maryland Forced to Start Linebacker at Quarterback Due to Four Season-Ending Injuries, Three Torn ACLs

by Doug Kyed on Sun, Oct 28, 2012 at 10:13PM

Maryland quarterbacks are dropping at an unreal rate.

Saturday's starter, Caleb Rowe, became the fourth Terrapins' quarterback lost to a season-ending injury. Rowe tore his ACL late in the fourth quarter in a loss to Boston College, but stayed in for Maryland's final play – a game clinching interception. The true freshman QB was supposed to redshirt this season, but was forced into action after three injuries earlier in the season.

Senior C.J. Brown tore his ACL during training camp, Perry Hills tore his ACL Oct. 20 against N.C. State and Devin Burns was also lost for the season after suffering a Lisfranc injury in the same game.

The Terps are now down to two true freshmen, neither of which were recruited to play quarterback. Shawn Petty will start this week against Georgia Tech according to the Washington Post. Petty has been a linebacker during his debut season at Maryland, but also played quarterback in high school. Petty threw for 1,300 yards and 15 touchdowns his senior season. He rushed for 550 yards and 10 scores.

Tight end Brian McMahon will be Petty's backup. McMahon played quarterback in high school and threw for 1,289 yards and 14 touchdowns his senior season, while adding 772 yards and eight scores on the ground. Petty was a two-star prospect coming out of high school according to Rivals, while McMahon was unrated.

At this point, Maryland quarterback might be the most dangerous job in America — if only they got paid.