Coaches might not like to admit it publicly and across the country prefer to stick to a “next man up” message with their teams, but there’s always at least one player programs can’t afford to lose.

This week, the Big Ten reporting crew is trying to identify the guys across the league who would be hardest to replace between now and the start of the season if they suffered an injury, were lost to suspension, unexpectedly retired to play minor league baseball, etc. Whether it’s based on individual talent or lack of depth at a position, the goal is to find the true most valuable player on every roster in the conference as the march toward the season continues.

Up next: Maryland.

CB William Likely: Few NFL decisions made this offseason could have a greater impact than the one Maryland was waiting for in January. The Terrapins are not only getting a decorated defender back and will again have one of the nation’s most dangerous returners contributing on special teams, but the senior might wind up being a key contributor for a rebuilding offense, as well.

Likely may not be a difference-maker in a chase for College Football Playoff berths and he probably won’t turn the Terrapins into a threat to win the loaded East Division, but DJ Durkin is getting one of the most versatile players in college football for a season -- which is certainly invaluable heading into his first one with the program.

There’s no guarantee Likely will be featured prominently on offense, or that he will even line up there at all. But in limited appearances on that side of the line of scrimmage last season, he proved to be every bit as elusive and explosive as he had previously been fielding punts and kickoffs. Maryland handed him the football 11 times and threw it to him five more, and he turned those 16 touches into more than 100 yards. That might be a relatively modest total, especially compared to the nearly 1,200 yards and three touchdowns he provided in the return game, but it hints at his potential if given more opportunities to contribute to an attack that could use a boost.

Of course, the Terrapins have to weigh that potential benefit on offense with what possible expense splitting reps could have on defense. Likely didn’t get his hands on any interceptions last year, but he’s only a season removed from snagging six of them in the Maryland secondary and as a junior proved he could helped create turnovers another way by forcing three fumbles.

With Durkin’s defensive background, he’s surely going to want to make sure he’s maximizing Likely’s ability at his natural position. But he may soon find that his singular talent might make him the most valuable player for Maryland in any phase of the game.