Season recap: Isaiah Ross
When Tom Green took the head coaching job at Eleanor Roosevelt last winter after seven seasons at Surrattsville, he had some initial, minor concerns about his new team buying into his system.
But according to Green, Maryland commitment Isaiah Ross helped erase those concerns immediately.
“He was absolutely [a leader],” Green said. “He wasn’t the most verbal guy; he’s more show by example. But being here and working hard, showing a lot of respect to the coaches he really didn’t know -- that helped the other kids follow. He just works hard and leads by example.”
Ross recorded 70 tackles, 12.5 sacks and two interceptions during the regular season, while also catching two passes for 15 yards on offense. Green said Ross made a habit of terrorizing opposing offensive lines throughout the Raiders’ 10-1 season.
“The thing is, you had to double-team him to stop him from making big plays,” Green said. “If you double-team him, our ‘backers were free, so he dominated offensive linemen this year. We had a few close games and on fourth-and-short he made big plays in the backfield on a few occasions. When it’s third-and-1 or fourth-and-1, he made plays behind the line of scrimmage.”
Green said he thinks Ross was the best defensive lineman in Prince George’s County this season. At Maryland, the 6-foot-2, 240-pound Ross will probably play the Leo position -- a hybrid linebacker/defensive end. Green thinks Ross’ skill-set could result in early playing time in College Park.
“He has a strong lower body, good leverage and great balance,” Green said. “Those are the things he brings. And he’s a smart football player. He makes very good adjustments on the field. Sometimes teams run a different formation and he can kind of adjust on the fly.
“[The Maryland coaches] see his size and ability right now and his feet are so quick, he could possibly come in and contribute right away. ... We’ve talked to [the Terps coaches] several times throughout the season. We’ve both gone up to games. They’re really looking forward to having him and I think it’ll be a great fit.”
Comments
Matt- What do you hear about Roscoe Smith? I heard that UNC had increased their efforts. Has UM as well? Also, if the terps land Smith and one of either Taron Buie or Isiah Epps, shouldn't that be enough to get the Terps back to where they were from about 96-2004 where home losses to American and Ohio were unheard of and the top 25 was a given?
Posted by: ryan | November 26, 2008 7:15 AM
Matt- 1 more thing. What do you know of Will Barton? I was reading how some think he is the Best SG in the 2010 class. Do the Terps have a shot at him?
Posted by: ryan | November 26, 2008 7:26 AM
Ryan -- Maryland's recruiting Smith and Barton pretty hard. North Carolina, if they offer, will be tough competition for UM with Smith. I've been told that Barton likes the Terps. There are a lot of schools involved, though, so it's early. He's really focused on his academics this year. As for the possibility of landing Buie and/or Epps, that would certainly put Maryland in position for an upper-echelon ACC class. Not quite as highly-rated as the Carolinas and Dukes of the world, but a tier below that, most likely.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | November 26, 2008 12:56 PM
Matt- Smith and Barton with Buie/Epps would have to be the #1 recruiting class in the Nation though, right? 2 5*s and a 4*?
Posted by: ryan | November 27, 2008 1:32 AM
Ryan -- It would probably be top 5, but I really don't think they'll land that class. And schools like UNC, UCLA and Memphis are recruiting out of their minds. But still, Epps, Buie, Barton (and a big man) would be an awesome class. Top 10 for sure, I would think.
Posted by: Matt Bracken | November 27, 2008 10:23 AM