It started with linebacker Wesley Jefferson leaving the team to pursue a career in law enforcement, and culminated with Chase Bullock, who was expected to take Jefferson’s place in the starting lineup, injuring his ankle.

In between, Dave Philistin just kept getting better, and when his opportunity arrived, he made the leap from reserve to starting middle linebacker.

“Dave has played very well - he’s getting better and better each week,” coach Ralph Friedgen said. “Philistin has kind of moved in (to the position) and it’s been tough to get him out of there.”

Through three games, the junior who is the team’s third starting middle linebacker in as many years, has developed into an essential part of the defense. He’s made 13 tackles — fourth-highest on the team — and has taken more of a leadership role since being thrust into the starting lineup.

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“As you get older, you want to get more vocal, you want to be someone who the guys can count on.” Philistin said. “I wasn’t really known as a vocal guy, but now I have to be. “

Philistin joins a defense that lost two-thirds of its linebacker corps and half of its secondary, including second-round NFL draft pick Josh Wilson. Despite the losses, Philistin sees a lot of potential in this year’s unit.

“We talked about that over the summer: We could be the best (defense) in the whole country,” Philistine said. “We’re very fast on defense as far as our linebacking corps, our [defensive] line and our [defensive backs]. I feel like we match up well speedwise.”

Maryland (2-1) enters today’s Atlantic Coast Conference-opener against Wake Forest (1-2, 0-1) ranked 16th nationally — and first in the ACC — in total defense, allowing opponents an average of just 266 yards per game. By comparison, Wake Forest is ranked 64th in the country, allowing an average of 363.3 yards per game.

The Terps entered last year’s game against the Demon Deacons needing a win to advance ACC title game. However, Maryland had trouble stopping the Wake Forest rushing attack, surrendering 296 rushing and four touchdowns. Maryland hopes to avenge last year’s 38-24 loss to Wake Forest, who went on to win the ACC championship last year.

“We know they’re good because they came here and beat us,” Philistine said. “(They ran) the same run play over and over again and we couldn’t stop it.”

A win for Maryland would give it a lot of momentum going into the ACC schedule. However, Philistin and the Terps can’t afford to look too far ahead.

“We just want to win this next one.” Philistine said. “We know the ACC is tough. Those games don’t surprise anybody on the team.”

dduberstein@baltimoreexaminer.com