Terps DE Merriman to Enter NFL Draft Associated Press Wednesday, January 5, 2005; 2:40 PM
COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- One of Maryland's best defensive players, Shawne Merriman, plans to forego his last year of eligibility and enter the 2005 NFL draft, the school said Wednesday.
Merriman, a defensive end, was a first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection in 2004, leading the Terrapins in sacks and tackles for losses. He's ranked second on the all-time Maryland sacks list with 23.
"My experience at the University of Maryland was great," Merriman said. "Maryland was very good to me, and it will only get better with the talent this area has."
Merriman is the second Maryland defensive lineman in the last two years to leave early for the NFL. Randy Starks was picked in the third-round of last year's draft by the Tennessee Titans. Starks, the youngest player in the NFL, finished his rookie season with 28 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
Merriman is one of my favorite college players. He plays with heart and intensity. His little brother played high school basketball with LaVar Arrington's brother, so LaVar has been working with him and mentoring him.
RIP 21
"Nah, I trust the laws of nature to stay constant. I don't pray that the sun will rise tomorrow, and I don't need to pray that someone will beat the Cowboys in the playoffs." - Irn-Bru
