Terps' Galts joined at the hip pad

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By Patrick Stevens

Letterwinners pass through Maryland's practice field during the week and Byrd Stadium on Saturdays. Much has changed in the five years or more since old players last took the field. But in that time, one thing remained constant.

The kids who dived after footballs during drills under Mark Duffner are still around. The preteen string beans who followed their dad around during the Ron Vanderlinden era remain.

Deege and Tommy Galt - fifth-year seniors savoring a final season working with their father, director of strength and conditioning Dwight Galt - are staples of the Terrapins' program.

"We've been here - gosh, it seems like forever," Deege Galt said. "We've really grown up around here."

In many ways.

The twin brothers' time at Maryland is dwindling, with perhaps as few as four games remaining in their careers. And while the Terps are struggling, the season nevertheless delivered the reward of extensive playing time and the opportunity to share a final year together with their dad.

The five seasons were rarely easy. But the payoff of earning a significant place in the Terps' scheme - and sharing it through lifting sessions and daily dinners with a proud papa - created special moments for a tight-knit family.

"We're family, and we're family through football, and we're family through actually being family," Tommy said. "We get to spend more time [together] than any other father would be able to spend with their sons. It's a unique experience."

Deege has started each game for the Terps at anchor, a de facto defensive end, and has 19 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Tommy, a tight end, has six starts and ranks fourth on the team with 12 receptions.

"I'm happy they're playing and playing well in their season year," coach Ralph Friedgen said. "They've paid their dues, never gotten down and always worked hard. They're really role models for our team."