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Sports

Terp Football Player Follows Father's Footsteps

Joe Vellano is a junior defensive tackle for the University of Maryland's football team. His father, Paul, played the same position for the Terrapins from 1970-73.

Immediately upon crossing the goal line, University of Maryland defensive tackle Joe Vellano was bombarded by an excited group of his Terrapin teammates, all eager to celebrate.

Just minutes after Maryland had fallen behind Miami in the second quarter of its nationally-televised season opener Monday night, Vellano completely swung the momentum back in the Terrapins’ favor, picking up a Miami fumble and returning it 30 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.

Fueled by the touchdown, Maryland eventually won the game, 32-24.

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“That was a great play by Joe,” Terrapins safety Kenny Tate said. “That play was huge for us and gave us a ton of momentum going into the second half.”

But while Vellano and his teammates celebrated the touchdown on the field, his family, including his father, Paul, thoroughly rejoiced it in the crowd.

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“We were jumping up and down,” a proud Paul Vellano said. “It was really great to see.”

It was a moment both Paul and his son had dreamed of for much of the last 20 years.

Paul, a former Maryland football player himself, starred for the Terrapins as a defensive tackle from 1970-73. He was a two-time All-ACC selection and even earned second-team All-American honors in 1973.

And although he returned to his home state of New York after graduating from Maryland, Paul always remained close with the university and its football team.

So when his sons, Joe and Paul, began playing football at an early age, it was only natural for the elder Vellano to dream of them one day following in his footsteps and enjoying standout careers for the Terrapins.

Joe had similar aspirations.

“I always wanted to come here,” Joe said, referencing annual trips the family would make to Maryland games throughout his childhood and teenage years. “Fortunately, everything worked out.”

Joe, who, like his father, plays defensive tackle, originally committed to Maryland, accepting a scholarship offer from former coach Ralph Friedgen, during the summer leading up to his senior season at Christian Brothers Academy (NY) in 2006.

Hampered by injuries, he redshirted with the Terrapins in 2008 and saw only minimal playing time as a redshirt freshman in 2009 before stepping into a starting role as redshirt sophomore last season.

In his first year as a starter, Vellano tallied 63 tackles, the best among the team’s defensive linemen, and led the team in both tackles for a loss (10.5) and sacks (5). He was named a second-team All-ACC performer following the season.

Vellano is already off to a fast start this year as well, having recorded two tackles and two fumble recoveries, including the one he returned for a touchdown, in Maryland’s win against Miami.

“It’s very special and very exciting,” said Paul, who, along with several members of his family, makes the seven-plus hour trip to every one of Joe’s games. “I always knew he could compete, knew he could play and knew he had talent, but it’s been extremely pleasing to see how well he’s performed.”

Paul added, “Hopefully he’ll continue to be a contributor and continue to make plays.”

Joe has similar hopes, but has only one primary focus – winning an ACC Championship, something his father, despite all of his success, wasn’t able to accomplish during his Terrapins career.

“I’m just going to do my job and keep working,” Joe said. “My main goal is just helping the team win.”

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