There's a note tacked onto the bottom of my story in tomorrow's print edition on the end of the Chris Clinton era in Maryland football lore.

OK, so it wasn't the most rousing era. The sophomore linebacker played in garbage time of two games last fall --- he didn't even travel to three road games --- and was dismissed from the team this week.

"He wasn't following what I ask guys to do," coach Ralph Friedgen said after practice today. "You either do what I ask you to do or you're off the team. He kind of refused to do it, so I really didn't have any alternative."

Clinton originally signed with the Terps in 2005, went to Fork Union Military Academy for a semester to get his academics in order and then joined the program in the spring of 2006. His departure carries a few interesting things, though some are more meaningful than others.

* Only two Florida natives remain on the roster --- Terrell Skinner and Nolan Carroll. With work in the Sunshine State seemingly de-emphasized in Maryland's recruiting approach, that number doesn't seem like to grow all that much.

* Maryland is better equipped to handle a hit at linebacker than just about any position other than wide receiver. The roster already includes the following linebackers: Chase Bullock, Jeff Clement, Rick Costa, Trey Covington, Moise Fokou, Dominique Herald, Adrian Moten, Dave Philistin, and Alex Wujciak, among others. The Terps should be able to survive with what by my count is 12 scholarship linebackers for four spots.

* It's also the first bit of attrition as Maryland tries to slide its way down to the limit of 85 scholarships for next season. My unofficial count of returning scholarship players plus guys who signed letters of intent is now at 91. Given the Terps' propensity for grayshirting, it wouldn't be a surprise if a couple guys ultimately don't arrive until next spring. But Clinton's dismissal is one less exercise in roster mechanics Maryland will be forced to contend with over the summer.

--- Patrick Stevens