Starting lineman abruptly leaves Terps

AP

One of the most touted members of Randy Edsall‘s three Maryland recruiting classes has left the football building.

In a press release sent out Tuesday afternoon, the Terps announced that offensive lineman Mike Madaras (pictured, No. 77) has decided to leave the team.  In a statement, Madaras said his heart is simply not in it when comes to both football and school.

“This was a difficult decision, but after spending a lot of time thinking about my future and talking with my family,” Madaras began, ”I have realized that my heart is not in the game of football or going to college at this time.

“I did not think it was fair to my teammates to be out there playing when I didn’t share their passion for the game. I appreciate all of the support from Coach Edsall and the rest of the Maryland football coaches and support staff. I will be rooting for them in the future.”

Head coach Randy Edsall met with Madaras to discuss his decision, and came out of it wanting to “wish him the best” and that the football program is “here to support him any way we can in the future.”

The sophomore had started all eight games at tackle for the Terps before the unexpected decision to bolt.  Madaras was a three-star member of Maryland’s 2012 recruiting class, rated by Rivals.com as the No. 39 offensive tackle in the country.  Another recruiting service, 247Sports.com, gave Madaras a four-star rating.