ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Heather Dinich

There was much attention on former DeMatha star Kenny Tate during his recruiting process, as Illinois and Penn State were both in the running at one point for one of the nation's top high school receivers.

It was a long, drawn-out decision, but not once while he was talking to Maryland did the staff ever mention the possibility of him playing on defense. His move to safety, as he called it, was "a complete surprise."

"It was hard for me because I did want to play offense, but then again I thought it would be helpful for the team," said Tate, who caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns as a senior. "If that's what it takes for us to win, then that's what we have to do."

Turns out it wasn't such a bad move.

Tate has been taking reps with both the first- and second-team defense, and if the true freshman is going to see playing time this year, safety is his best shot. It's not like he hasn't played defense before. He had 48 tackles and four interceptions in 2007. At 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, he's No. 2 at strong safety and looked good recently at returning punts and kickoffs.

"I think I probably have a good chance," he said, "but I'm not really sure."

One way or another, Tate will get on the field.