Late in the first quarter of the Maryland football team’s season opener Saturday, defensive end Zahir Mathis swooped into the backfield unimpeded just as Florida Atlantic quarterback Caden Veltkamp began his throwing motion. The Terrapins’ promising freshman clipped Veltkamp’s arm, and Daniel Wingate gathered the fluttering ball for an interception that the junior linebacker returned 20 yards for a touchdown.
Maryland wanted to upgrade its defense. So far, so good.
