Facebook Twitter

Maryland LB Hartsfield leads nation’s 7th-ranked D

SHARE Maryland LB Hartsfield leads nation’s 7th-ranked D
FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2010, file photo, Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida International in College Park, Md. Hartsfield is affectionately called "Me

FILE - In this Sept. 9, 2010, file photo, Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield watches from the sideline during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Florida International in College Park, Md. Hartsfield is affectionately called “Meat” by his coaches and teammates. To opposing quarterbacks, he’s simply dangerous _ and a big reason why the Terrapins are ranked seventh in the nation in total defense.

Rob Carr, File, Associated Press

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — It's no accident that Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield leads the nation's seventh-ranked defense in tackles and sacks.

Hartsfield — affectionately called "Meat" by his coaches and teammates — works hard on the practice field and in the weight room. He also spends countless hours each week studying film.

Terrapins coach Randy Edsall says of Hartsfield: "He wants to be good, I think that's one of the things that's very important."

Hartsfield had 10 tackles in last Saturday's 19-14 win over Wake Forest and sealed the victory with a fourth-down sack. He was named Atlantic Coast Conference linebacker of the week.

Hartsfield has an impressive resume off the field, too. The fifth-year senior already has his diploma in criminal justice.

Maryland (3-2, 1-0) travels to Virginia (2-4, 0-2) on Saturday.