Maryland football fans have something to cheer about with the arrival of Derrick LeBlanc, a formidable defensive lineman who officially joined the team. Standing tall at 6-foot-5 and weighing in at 310 pounds, this redshirt junior from Opa-locka, Florida, is set to make waves in College Park after honing his skills at UCF and Oklahoma.
LeBlanc's journey to Maryland is marked by his impactful performances during the 2025 season at UCF. He took the field in eight games, making his presence felt with 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks. His standout moment came during a commanding 45-13 victory over West Virginia, where his 1.5 sacks contributed to UCF's impressive defensive showcase, earning them Big 12 Defensive Line of the Week honors.
His knack for stepping up in big moments was clear when he posted a career-high three tackles against Baylor and consistently recorded at least two tackles in five different games. LeBlanc's journey hasn't been without its challenges; he redshirted in 2023 after transferring to UCF and saw limited action in 2024. However, his performance in the bowl game against Georgia Tech, where he logged a tackle, hints at his potential to shine.
LeBlanc's high school career was nothing short of stellar. As a consensus four-star recruit, he was recognized as one of the top defensive line prospects nationwide.
His accolades include playing in the 2022 Under Armour All-America Game and earning First Team honors in the Orange Belt Conference. With 136 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, and 28 sacks during his high school tenure, he helped lead Osceola High School to a state semifinal appearance.
With two years of eligibility left, Derrick LeBlanc is poised to make a significant impact on Maryland's defensive line. Fans can look forward to seeing his talents unfold on the field, bringing both experience and excitement to the team.