Maryland LB Hartsfield leads nation's 7th-ranked defense in tackles, sacks

COLLEGE PARK, Md. – It's no accident that Maryland linebacker Demetrius Hartsfield leads the nation's seventh-ranked defense in tackles and sacks.

Hartsfield — affectionately called "Meat" by his coaches and teammates — works hard on the practice field and in the weight room. He also spends hours each week studying film.

Hartsfield was honorable mention All-ACC last year, and this season he's playing even better. The 6-foot-2, 240-pounder has 43 tackles and three sacks for a unit that is allowing only 257.2 yards per game.

Hartsfield and the defense are a big reason why the Terrapins (3-2, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) already have exceeded last year's win total heading into their game Saturday at Virginia (2-4, 0-2).