Josh Moyer, ESPN Staff Writer 8y

Spring breakout player: Maryland Terrapins

Spring practice has finally come to a close around the Big Ten, so as part of an ongoing series, we're taking a look back at each team's spring breakout player. Who improved the most? And who surprised?

We'll get to all 14 teams this week. But next up in the series: the Maryland Terrapins.

Spring breakout player: OL Brendan Moore

Both Moores on offense -- wideout D.J. Moore and center Brendan Moore (no relation) -- received rave reviews this spring, but it's hard to peg D.J. Moore as a breakout, because he already kind of broke out. He tied the school record last season for most touchdown catches (three) by a true freshman.

Brendan Moore also made an impact last season, registering one start in the finale against Rutgers; he's now progressed from a quality backup to the likely starting center. New coach D.J. Durkin has been hesitant to name the most-improved players this offseason, but he hasn't at all shied away from praising Moore.

"He's really been a guy that's stood out," Durkin said. "He competes every day. He's consistent with what he does. He's our style of guy, meaning that he is a blue-collar-type player, so he's done a really good job."

Moore has come a long way since first arriving on campus two years ago. He was an early fan favorite after writing a smart essay about the recruiting process, but expectations still weren't high since he arrived just a shade over 270 pounds. Now? After hitting the weight room hard, the redshirt sophomore stands 6-foot-3, 295 pounds. He's stronger and faster now, but it's his versatility that really separates him on the line.

Although Moore appears to be penciled in at center, he said he continues to study other positions and that he'd be comfortable playing anywhere on the line. That's not false bravado; Moore played all along the interior last season and started at left guard in the 2015 finale.

Overall, there's a lot of potential on the Terps' offensive line. But, with the way Moore's spring has gone, he's become another big reason to be excited.

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