Variation on a Theme at Linebacker

Budding Pianist Seeks To Uphold LB Tradition

When he was learning to play the piano a few years ago, Maryland linebacker Wesley Jefferson sometimes tied a blindfold over his eyes to make himself feel his way around the keyboard.

To play the kind of classical music he prefers, a style that requires note-by-note precision, Jefferson said feeling free is the key.

"When you can hear it better, you can focus better," he said. "You can play a lot better with more freedom."

Jefferson hopes that concept translates to the football field, where this season he makes the move from outside linebacker to a key middle linebacker spot in the Terrapins' defense. Known as the "mike" position, the spot carries an all-American legacy for the Terps during the Ralph Friedgen Era. Both D'Qwell Jackson and E.J. Henderson earned national honors while patrolling that same space.

Jefferson steps in hoping to become Maryland's next maestro in the middle after splitting time as a reserve at both inside and outside linebacker over the last two seasons.

"I actually like mike better," said Jefferson, who has earned a reputation as an instinctual player. "You get to move around more; you get more freedom and less responsibility. I think it makes me play faster."

The high-profile move has been four years in the making for Jefferson, who was a heralded recruit when he came to College Park. After playing three years at Gwynn Park High, several recruiting services ranked the Parade All-American as the No. 1 linebacker in the country.

But during his career at Maryland, he redshirted during his first year and has operated mostly in the shadows as a backup. He has played in 19 games, earning two starts. During that time, he has racked up 79 career tackles. This will be his first season as a full-time starter.

"There's a little bit of anxiety," he said. "This is the first time I'll actually be starting. But I'm comfortable being that this is my fourth year now. I was ready to go a long time ago. You've just gotta wait your turn. But now I'm ready to go."

Jefferson has impressed Maryland coaches with his work ethic, both on the field and in the film room, giving them confidence that he can handle the transition.

"He also studies the game a lot," Terrapins defensive coordinator Chris Cosh said. "He's very observant. He's a big visual guy. He sees things. He anticipates."

Friedgen said Jefferson has shown himself to be a team leader and a "low maintenance" player throughout his career.