Joe Vellano is ready to rumble for the Maryland Terrapins after injuring his foot this spring.
"I'm probably 95 percent, almost 100 percent. I'm doing all the runs and lifts right now and I've been doing them for the last month. It's just one of those things that isn't serious it's just rehabbing it back."
Up for the Nagurski and Outland trophy, Vellano will play a huge role for the Terrapins' defense this fall. In fact, as the Terps make the transition to the 3-4 defense, Vellano will play multiple roles.
"If their strength is to the right I'll be playing a 3 technique Defensive Tackle, if it's to the left I'll be the 5 and I'll also be playing some Nose too," Vellano said.
The transition has been going well for Vellano who enjoys the challenge of going against different players throughout the game.
"I like playing against different guys because I can start working some guys and knowing what they're good at and knowing what they're not good at," Vellano said. "I like moving around."
The Terrapins will probably like it too. The more Vellano is on the field, the more opportunity he has for monster 20-tackle games like the one against Georgia Tech last season.
The accolades that come with those kind of games, like his preseason nominations, don't both Vellano much. He's just focused on the field.
"I think the biggest thing is, try to block it out and just play as hard as you can," Vellano said. "If it comes it comes, if not it's not something you can really get caught up in."
