.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
.vresize.36.36.medium.0.png){kind=small}
After a easy win over Howard, Maryland looked to have a repeat performance against Florida International on Friday evening.
The Terrapins may not have gotten off to the start they wanted offensively. However, they did eventually find their groove and dispatch of the Golden Panthers by a 41-14 result.
Maryland’s defense also found their stride and looked impressive throughout the contest.
We’ve looked at the tape and will be handing out grades in our new weekly series. We’ll be giving Maryland player “Turtle Shells,” which will range from zero to four shells depending on a player’s performance.
We’re going to select four players every week that stood out in a positive or negative way and grade them accordingly.
Without further ado, let’s handout some “Turtle Shells” for the second week.
Sep 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Perry Hills (11) attempts a pass against the FIU Golden Panthers during the first half at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Quarterback Perry Hills turned in a solid performance against Howard, but the upside wasn’t evident.
It was quite the opposite against Florida International.
Hills completed 13-of-18 passes for 210 yards and three touchdowns. The Pennsylvania native looked like the player that Maryland fans were used to seeing as he mixed in the run as well.
He added 52 yards on eight carries and was one of three Terps to top the 50-yard plateau.
Hills looked very comfortable running the Maryland offense and was on point passing the football. He even had the deep ball working as he found wide receiver D.J. Moore down the sideline for a 45-yard touchdown.
Once again, Hills didn’t try to force anything that wasn’t there. He hooked up with tight end Derrick Hayward on a nine-yard touchdown late in the second half as well as Moore again on a 40-yard catch-and-run in the third quarter.
Obviously, the level of competition is quite the same as what Maryland will face when Big Ten play begins next month. However, the senior signal caller is playing phenomenal football right now and continues to build up his confidence.
Maryland has also yet to turn the ball over and that’s impressive in itself.
Grade: Four Turtle Shells
Next: Affecting the game in many ways
Sep 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Maryland Terrapins linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. (23) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass and scoring a touchdown against the FIU Golden Panthers during the first half at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. anchors the Maryland front seven.
He certainly made an impact throughout Friday’s game against the Golden Panthers. Carter led the Terps with eight tackles (six solo) in the game, but one play sticks out more than all the others.
With Maryland leading by just a 3-0 margin in the first quarter, Alex McGough dropped back to pass and let a throw go that was deflected by cornerback Alvin Hill. Hill was able to tip the errant throw into the waiting arms of Carter.
Carter was able to corral the interception and take it back for a 15-yard touchdown. It was the second consecutive week that Florida International allowed a pick six.
It was also the first career interception for the linebacker in his three seasons in College Park.
Carter seems to always have a knack for being at the right place at the right time. He’s displayed his ability to stick his nose in and help stop the run.
On the other hand, his ability to drop back in coverage netted him an interception touchdown.
If Carter can continue to play at a high level, Maryland’s defense is going to be very dangerous this season.
Grade: Four Turtle Shells
Nov 21, 2015; College Park, MD, USA; Maryland Terrapins quarterback Shane Cockerille (2) runs during the second quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Shane Cockerille certainly has had a rocky start to his career in College Park.
However, a third position switch may be just what the doctor ordered for the former Gilman star.
After a solid performance in the season opener, Cockerille followed it up with an even better one against Florida International.
Cockerille registered six tackles (three solo) on Friday night and looked every bit of a Big Ten linebacker. The junior seemed to play with fire from the opening whistle.
For example, Cockerille made an impact early in the game. The Golden Panthers were facing a 4th-and-3 and elected to go for it.
The running play went to tailback Alex Gardner, but Cockerille blew the play up in the backfield for a four-yard loss.
Cockerille has a knack for surging to the ball carrier. It also doesn’t hurt that he is a bigger guy, which allows him to be every physical.
Through two games, he’s racked up 11 tackles (six solo) and he has seemed to have made a seamless transition to linebacker. After not having a ton of success under center, Cockerille may have finally found a home on Maryland’s roster.
Grade: Three Turtle Shells
Next: A Maryland legacy making an impact
Sep 9, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; FIU Golden Panthers defensive tackle Imarjaye Albury (93) tackles Maryland Terrapins running back Trey Edmunds (9) during the first half at FIU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been no secret that Maryland’s running game was been one of the team’s biggest strengths over the first two games.
However, a great deal of the talk has been surrounding freshman Lorenzo Harrison and his big play potential. On the other hand, Trey Edmunds has been just as impressive.
Through two games, Edmunds has looked every bit the part of a complete running back for the Terps.
The son of former Maryland tight end Ferrell Edmunds is currently averaging 9.0 yards-per-carry. He continued his strong play as he totaled 78 yards on just eight carries against the Golden Panthers.
Edmunds has displayed the perfect combination of size and speed to be effective. While he didn’t find the end zone, he was able to get past the first wave of defenders on several occasions.
The Virginia Tech transfer is trying to stake his claim to the starting job, which is interesting with the return of Wes Brown looming. That’s another reason why Harrison may not see the field as much when Brown returns.
Even when that does happen, Edmunds will still have a very large role on this Maryland team.
Grade: Four Turtle Shells
More from Terrapin Station
This article originally appeared on 
