Tailback Caleb Porzel has left Maryland's football program, a team spokesman confirmed tonight.
Porzel's departure was first reported by InsideMdSports.com.
The speedy sophomore missed all of spring practice to focus on academics, so his exit from the program doesn't come as a huge surprise. He is the third player with academic struggles to leave the program since the end of spring ball, joining guard Lamar Young and linebacker Javarie Johnson.
Porzel, a 5-foot-7, 180-pound pinball who Maryland hoped could function as its version of Darren Sproles or Trindon Holliday, missed the first month of last season with injuries before appearing in the Terps' last seven games. He ran for 75 yards on 30 carries, and he also caught three passes for 24 yards.
Porzel started one game --- Maryland's 17-13 loss to Duke in monsoon-like conditions in Durham. It was precisely the sort of weather that worked against Porzel, who had 15 carries for 28 yards that afternoon.
While even coach Ralph Friedgen was surprised at times by Porzel's ruggedness, it was also unlikely Porzel would become an every-down back. His greatest asset --- speed --- was best utilized in a change-of-pace role, and it was easy to imagine him playing a crucial part in Maryland's special teams unit.
Porzel's departure leaves Maryland with four scholarship tailbacks in its program: Senior Da'Rel Scott, junior Davin Meggett, sophomore Gary Douglas and redshirt freshman D.J. Adams.
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